Russian Defenseman Nikishin Signs $3M Contract With Carolina

Russian hockey player Alexander Nikishin has signed a one-year contract with NHL club Carolina Hurricanes worth $3 million, the club's press service announced.

Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky commented on the deal: "We are happy that Alexander is returning to our group." According to him, it was a long process, but the club is looking forward to the player's return to the locker room so he can contribute to the Hurricanes as he did during last season's championship run.

According to the club, the 25-year-old defenseman was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in his debut season: among rookie defensemen he finished second in goals (11), second in points (33), and tied for second in assists (22). In last year's playoffs, Nikishin played 17 games, recorded one assist, and won the Stanley Cup with Carolina.