Nikishin is SKA's all-time leader in scoring by a defenseman with 177 points (54 goals, 123 assists) in 288 games. He set a KHL record for scoring by a Russian-born defenseman by getting 55 points (11 goals, 44 assists) in 65 games in 2022-23. He broke his own record last season with 56 points (17 goals, 39 assists) in 67 games.

The Hurricanes’ third-round draft pick in 2020 played for SKA in the Russian pro league, but has had his contract terminated, allowing him to come to NHL.

Carolina drafted him in the third round in 2020, and Nikishin helped the Russians reach the Olympic final in Beijing in 2022. His contract is worth $832,500 a year — prorated this season — and includes a $185,

Tom Wilson scored his career-best 33rd goal of the season and the Washington Capitals wrapped up the top spot in the Eastern Conference by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in a shootout.

The Washington Capitals wrapped up the top spot in the Eastern Conference by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in a shootout Thursday night.

Luc Dubois scored in regulation and had the only goal in the shootout to help the Washington Capitals defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 at Capital One Arena on Thursday and clinch the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.