Carolina Hurricanes Set to Hand Canadiens a Generous Gift Tomorrow With Latest Changes
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Ahead of their last game of the year in which they can clinch a postseason spot, the Canadiens are getting a major gift from the host Carolina Hurricanes.
The Montreal Canadiens have just a single game left, and their fate for the Stanley Cup Playoffs has yet to be decided.
If the Canadiens get a single point in their game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday, they will officially clinch a spot in the postseason for the 1st time since 2021.
However, there is a chance they could still miss out if they not only lose to the Hurricanes but if the Columbus Blue Jackets pick up victories in regulation in their final 2 games.
The Canadiens will be getting some help from the Hurricanes, as announced by coach Rod Brind'Amour, however. He said that top prospect Alexander Nikishin, who recently came over from the KHL, isn't likely to play because of work visa issues.
I don't think he's going to be able to [join us in Canada], from what I've heard because of not only the visa issues for U.S., but to get to Canada, I think there's also an issue from what I've been told. I know it's in process, but I think it's probably unlikely from what I've been hearing.
Much in the same manner as Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, Nikishin's contract with SKA St. Petersburg was mutually terminated and he was free to sign an entry-level contract with the team.
Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky is is already looking forward to what Nikishin can bring to the club at a date in the future:
We are grateful for Alexander's time with SKA, a premier European hockey franchise, which helped him develop into one of the top prospects in hockey. His size and skill have allowed him to have a record-breaking career in the KHL, and we believe he will be an impactful player in the NHL.
Nikishin is SKA's all-time leading scorer by a defenseman and figures to be part of Carolina's blue line for a long time.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 15 | 103 ANSWERS Carolina Hurricanes Set to Hand Canadiens a Generous Gift Tomorrow With Latest Changes Can the Canadiens secure their spot in the postseason? | ||
| Yes | 68 | 66 % |
| No | 35 | 34 % |
| List of polls | ||
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