WASHINGTON: op Carolina Hurricanes prospect Alexander Nikishin made his NHL debut Thursday night in Game 5 of the team’s second-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals.

The 23-year-old Russian defenseman took the traditional solo lap during warmups — skating helmetless before his teammates joined him on the ice. During line rushes, Nikishin was paired with veteran Shayne Gostisbehere.

His debut came as Jalen Chatfield was ruled out with an undisclosed injury after tweaking something late in Game 4, which Carolina won to take a 3–1 series lead. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour had indicated that Nikishin would play only if Chatfield was unable to go.

Nikishin, considered Carolina’s top defensive prospect, left SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL this spring after mutually terminating his contract. He signed his first NHL deal with the Hurricanes last month and quickly made the jump to North America.