One of the most intriguing prospects for the Carolina Hurricanes is defenseman Alexander Nikishin.
The 2020 third-round pick played multiple seasons in the KHL and served as the captain for SKA Saint Petersburg for two seasons.
Nikishin signed his entry-level contract with the Hurricanes in April and played in four games through the team’s playoff run to the Eastern Conference Final.
Now, Nikishin is entering the 2025-26 season with high expectations.
“To be able to have the game slow down as quick as it did for him [in the playoffs] is really something that attributes to just how high of a prospect he can be," Hurricanes assistant general manager Darren Yorke said via NHL.com. "The way he wants to play is exactly how the Carolina Hurricanes play. It really fits with his ability to get up in the play and be aggressive.”
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Barring anything unforeseen, the 23-year-old defenseman should make the Hurricanes’ opening-night roster out of training camp and serve a crucial role moving forward.
Matthew, Brady, and Keith Tkachuk will grace the deluxe edition cover of NHL 26.
A five-time All-Star and 1997 Maurice Richard Trophy winner, Keith Tkachuk will appear on the cover in a St. Louis Blues jersey. He played 543 regular season games for the Blues over parts of nine seasons and currently serves as the team's Director of Recruitment.
The last Blues player to be on the cover was Vladimir Tarasenko in NHL 17.
A four-time All-Star and captain of the Ottawa Senators, Brady Tkachuk becomes the first Senators player to appear on the cover of an EA NHL game. Craig Anderson was available as a custom cover on NHL 14, and Jason Spezza was on the cover of NHL 2K8.
Matthew Tkachuk was announced at the standard edition cover athlete on Aug. 4.
The father-son trio have combined for 969 career goals.
From backyard battles to the front of the game, honored to be on the#NHL26 cover with my dad and my brother.
— Matthew Tkachuk (@TKACHUKycheese_) August 6, 2025
Pre-order #NHL26 to get 7-day early access and check my game:https://t.co/maVv4hu9dspic.twitter.com/nXSc5fv2Nr
NHL 26 is set to release Sept. 12, those who pre-order the deluxe edition get access Sept. 5.
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Photo Credit: EA SPORTS NHL