Later that year, Nikulin began his professional career in the Russian Superleague (RSL) with Dynamo Moscow. He played with Dynamo for five seasons. In 2005, he joined Ak Bars Kazan. His five-year contract with Kazan included allowing him to leave for the NHL. However, after negotiations in 2008 and 2009, Nikulin did not sign a contract with the Thrashers.[1]
On 15 July 2020, Nikulin officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, ending a 19-year career.[2]
Nikulin is good friends with Alexander Ovechkin, with whom he played four seasons with during his tenure with Dynamo Moscow. He is also the godfather of Nikulin's son.[5]
