NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Carolina Hurricanes, according to NHL.com.

1. Alexander Nikishin , D

How acquired: Selected with No. 69 pick in 2020 NHL Draft

2024-25 season: SKA St. Petersburg (KHL): 61 GP, 17-29-46

After finishing second in the Kontinental Hockey League among defensemen in goals and third in points, Nikishin joined the Hurricanes too late for him to make his NHL debut during the regular season. The 23-year-old stepped in because of injuries during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, though, and had one assist and averaged 15:59 in ice time in four games. Nikishin (6-foot-4, 216 pounds) should benefit from that experience this season, when he's expected to

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