The Carolina Hurricanes officially confirmed on Sunday morning that defenseman Alexander Nikishin has been diagnosed with a concussion following a hit from Ottawa Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven.
The injury occurred during the second period of Saturday’s Game 4 victory. Nikishin was on the receiving end of a thunderous, though clean, hit Kleven. The 24-year-old blueliner appeared dazed and needed assistance from trainers to leave the ice, finishing the game with just 5:16 of ice time.
The Hurricanes announced that Nikishin flew back to Raleigh with the team and has officially entered the NHL’s concussion protocol.
Alexander Nikishin was diagnosed with a concussion during Game 4 in Ottawa. He returned with the team to Raleigh where he will continue the NHL’s protocol for a safe return to play.
— Hurricanes PR (@CanesPR) April 26, 2026
Since arriving from the KHL last year, Nikishin has become a vital component of Carolina's defensive rotations. He made franchise history this regular season as the first Hurricanes blueliner to reach double-digit goals (11) in a single campaign.
The Hurricanes now await the winner of the Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins series (Philly currently leads 3-1). Game 5 of that series is set for Monday night in Pittsburgh.