Nikishin has the typical defensive defenseman stature and he plays like it, too. His skating needs to be improved, but he’s capable of getting around. He has a slow, choppy first few steps, but when he gets going, he has average speed, though he can keep up with most players on the ice. He’s an extremely physical player that loves to throw around his body. Defensively, he’s a solid defender, closing the gap between himself and opponents well, forcing them to try to make a play or get around him with a deke. In his own zone, you’ll usually see him planted in front of his own net, clearing traffic and getting in the passing lane. He keeps an active, defensive stick to either block a pass or tie up an attacker. He’s not afraid to carry the puck and make a play, especially on the power play. His decision making is worrisome, often pinching in the offensive end and getting caught. He jumps up in the attacking zone often, sometimes finding himself below the goal line battling for the puck. While he can win these battles, this is when he gets caught, as he doesn’t have the speed to get back and defend in the case of a turnover. On some plays on the opponent’s blueline, he seems to overthink what to do when the play is coming at him and he almost freezes on the ice. His defensive game will be the reason he’s drafted, but he’ll need to improve his skating and his decision making.

– FCHockey’s 2020 NHL Draft Guide