Nikishkin was spotted playing alongside Shayne Gostisbehere Thursday morning.
Speaking to reporters, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said that “it’s not 100 per cent” yet that the 24-year-old returns Thursday night, but signs are pointing towards him making a return.
He missed the first two games of Carolina’s second-round series with Philadelphia after suffering a concussion in Game 4 of the Hurricanes’ first-round series with the Ottawa Senators.
Nikishin tallied 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games played this season.
The Hurricanes are up 2-0 on the Flyers heading into Thursday’s game.