Daily Bean: Nikishin Ends Holdout; Heritage Classic; Bruins Wrap

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Boston Bruins return to the practice rink today ahead of their two-game road trip, and they still hold a three-point lead atop the Atlantic Division. The Bruins were off yesterday after sweeping their two-game homestand. They took down the Predators on Thursday and the Sharks on Saturday and extended their point streak to eight games. They’re back in Brighton this morning at 11:00 AM, and they will fly south after they wrap up practice. Elsewhere around the league, the Carolina Hurricanes ended their stalemate with their RFA defenseman. They came to terms on a one-year deal, which leaves the 25-year-old with both arbitration rights and offer-sheet eligibility next summer. The Canadiens beat the Jets in last night’s Heritage Classic, and the New York Rangers signed a veteran goaltender to a one-year deal. There’s more on Connor Hellebuyck, because of course, a new points leader in Tampa Bay, and Quinn Hughes’ first game back in Vancouver. Happy Monday, catch up on Bruins and league news in today’s Daily Bean:Boston BruinsMARAT KHUSNUTDINOV: The Bruins took care of some business off the ice last week. Marat Khusnutdinov signed a three-year extension with a $3.95M cap hit. The 24-year-old has established himself as a valuable piece of Marco Sturm’s lineup, and now he will be sticking around until 2030.“I’m very excited to be a Bruin for a few more years,” Khusnutdinov said after morning skate on Thursday. “For me, it’s the best group and best fans.” Also Read:Which Bruins Need New Contracts in 2027ELIAS LINDHOLM: Elias Lindholm is feeling like himself again, and it has been showing on the ice. The Bruins’ $7.75M center has been battling injuries over the last two seasons, but now he’s feeling healthy, and he has been producing in his 3C role. That strong play carried into Saturday night, as the third line primarily matched up against Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks’ top line. Also Read:Bruins Postgame: James Hagens Is Giving Marco Sturm More Reasons to Trust HimMICHAEL DIPIETRO: Michael DiPietro recorded his first NHL shutout on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. The 27-year-old goaltender made 28 saves in the 6-0 win. The milestone came on Hockey Fights Cancer night at TD Garden, making an already special night even more memorable for the first-year NHL goaltender. NEXT UP: The Bruins are at Warrior Ice Arena for practice at 11:00 AM. They will fly to Raleigh, NC, after practice ahead of their two-game road trip. Atlantic Division StandingsBoston Bruins – 9-2-1 | 19ptsOttawa Senators – 8-4-0 | 16ptsToronto Maple Leafs – 7-4-2 | 16ptsTampa Bay Lightning – 7-3-1 | 15pts Montreal Canadiens – 6-3-2 | 14ptsFlorida Panthers – 6-4-2 | 14ptsDetroit Red Wings – 4-4-3 | 11ptsBuffalo Sabres – 4-4-3 | 11pts NHL News & National Hockey NowCarolina Hockey Now: It’s over. Alexander Nikishin ended his holdout yesterday. The Hurricanes announced they signed the 25-year-old LHD to a one-year deal worth $3M. Nikishin will be an RFA with arbitration rights next summer, and he is also offer-sheet eligible when his contract expires. Montreal Hockey Now: The Heritage Classic was last night at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg. The Canadiens picked up a 2-1 win behind a solid performance from BC Eagle Jacob Fowler. Marc Dumont has the highlights from last night’s outdoor game. Forever Blueshirts: The New York Rangers signed 38-year-old goaltender James Reimer to a one-year deal worth $850K. Reimer signed a PTO with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, and just after shutting out the P-Bruins, the Rangers signed him to an NHL deal. Spencer Martin was assigned to Hartford. May 13, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer (34) lies in the goal crease after being defeated by the Boston Bruins in OT in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY SportsSportsnet: Connor Hellebuyck is in New Jersey. He skated on Saturday, but not for a full team practice; that will come today. He’s expected to make his debut this week. Sportsnet’s Rory Boylen breaks down his potential return, how the trade came together, and why Sunny Mehta made the move. San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks have a rebound problem. It was on display at TD Garden on Saturday, as the Bruins scored five on Alex Nedeljkovic. Sheng Peng dives into the Sharks’ defensive struggles and why the offseason additions have yet to solve them. Chicago Hockey Now: The Blackhawks have dropped eight of their first 11 games this season and have only scored three goals in their last three outings. Their power play struggles continued yesterday, going 0-for-7 against Florida in a 3-2 loss. TSN: Nikita Kucherov became the Tampa Bay Lightning’s career points leader last night. His 10th assist of the season was his 1,138th point (405-733–1,138) in 890 games, passing Steven Stamkos at 1,137 points.B/R Open Ice (video via 𝕏): Quinn Hughes returned to Vancouver last night. The Canucks fans were not as ruthless as Sens fans, but they had some fun with their old captain. They were pretty happy to see him get hit, but they also sent the Wild fans a message about Hughes’ next contract. Canucks fans just chanted "HE'S NOT SIGNING" referencing Quinn Hughes who has yet to extend in MIN 😭 pic.twitter.com/ZTw8BGO5q5— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 26, 2026Today’s NHL ScheduleKings at Rangers – 7:00 PM (US: NHLN; CA: TVA)Maple Leafs at Flames – 8:30 PM (CA: SN+)Red Wings at Oilers – 9:30 PM (CA: SN+, TVA)FOLLOW @JACKSTUDLEY13 ON 𝕏 |FOLLOW @BOSHockeyNow ON 𝕏Related HeadlinesDaily Bean: Bruins Win; Hellebuyck Expected Soon; Quinn Hughes Talks ExtensionDaily Bean: Bruins Gameday; Hellebuyck Traded; Maurice Calls Out PanthersDaily Bean: Bruins Win; McDavid Makes History; Hellebuyck Suspension Ends TodayRead more at Boston Hockey Now