Tyler Kleven takes out Alexander Nikishin in Game 4.

The Carolina Hurricanes likely won't be seeing defenseman Alexander Nikishin back on the ice any time soon.

On Saturday, during Game 4 of the opening round series between the Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators, Nikishin was on the receiving end of a heavy hit that appeared to launch him into outer space. The Hurricanes defenseman was making a play on the puck along the boards when Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven saw an opportunity to deliver a punishing hit.

Kleven, who is wearing a bubble after suffering a broken jaw, slammed his body into Nikishin like a freight train and hit the Hurricanes defender so hard that Nikishin appeared to have no idea where he was.

While Nikishin's eyes would remain open the entire time it was obvious that he wasn't all there, and his attempts to get back up to his feet would only further confirm that. As Nikishin tried to get back to his feet he nearly fell back face first onto the ice but was thankfully caught by his teammates before he could fall.

There's no question that Nikishin's brain was rattled by the hit from Kleven and unfortunately I suspect that means that he will be out for some time beyond just today's game.