Ka dib markii uu Russia u matalay ciyaarihii Olombikada ee xilliga qaboobaha 2002-dii, Nikolishin waxaa laga iibiyay Capitals, oo ay weheliyaan Chris Simon, Chicago Blackhawks si loogu beddelo Michael Nylander iyo 2003
xulashada wareega sadexaad (Steve Werner) November 1, 2002. Nikolishin wuxuu hal xilli ciyaareed kaliya la ciyaaray Blackhawks ka hor inta aan dib loo dhigin 21-kii Juun, 2003, oo loo wareejiyay Colorado Avalanche ka hor xilli ciyaareedkii 2003-04, kii ugu dambeeyay ee uu ku jiray NHL.