The Carolina Hurricanes have made a habit out of making big moves for impact veterans at the Trade Deadline. It appears they’re gearing up to repeat that trend this season. The Hurricanes would even be open to moving star rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin if it meant landing a high-end addition, per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period on Thursday’s episode of Sportsnet Today.
Pagnotta added that Carolina would need a star, or even superstar, return and contract control to be swayed enough to give up Nikishin. That likely cuts down the change of the rookie moving by quite a bit – but there’s no doubt that teams will line up for the Russian defender. Nikishin has recorded six goals, 20 points, and a plus-12 through 50 NHL games this season. Those stats rank second, third, and first respectively among rookie defenders.
Nikishin also leads rookie defenders in hits (92) and ranks second in blocks (61). He has proven an ability to fit wherever Carolina needs him, even while working through cold feet to start the year. This comes after Nikishin posted a true breakout season in Russia’s KHL last year. He blew out the record for most points by a U22 defenseman in KHL history, finishing the year with 11 goals and 55 points in 65 games – 20 points more than second place. Nikishin emerged as the top defender for Russia’s biggest club – SKA St. Petersburg – and finished the year with a four-game stint in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Carolina wields clear, top-end value by dangling Nikishin to potential buyers regardless of where they are in the standings. He could be a strong fill-in for the injured Lian Bichsel with the Dallas Stars, potentially enough to land scoring winger Jason Robertson. Or Nikishin could be seen as a final piece for a struggling club like the St. Louis Blues, who have faced trade rumors around top center Robert Thomas.
It is hard to say who Carolina could be in on as the Deadline rolls around. The Hurricanes will have an estimated $35.48MM in deadline cap space, per PuckPedia. They also have two first-round picks, and one second-round pick, over the next two drafts. That flexibility, along with Nikishin, could help Carolina match just about any offer when trade season really heats up.
This is st louis-How about Kyrou
Carolina hangs up the phone!
Try Thomas instead. They need a center.
Eric Tulsky botched a couple of deals last season with Necas, And Rantanen, Moving Nikishin is a terrible idea, Unless they can get a top flight netminder, Goaltending is currently what is keeping the Canes from their 2nd Stanley Cup.
No. They have Bussi. They need a true 2C the most.
Elias Pettersen?
No. Not worth it. Rod wants his people to be defensively responsible. EP wouldn’t be a good fit for Rod Brind’amour’s system.
Bad fit and Nikishin would be an overpay.
If Carolina wants a superstar or star-caliber player for Alexander Nikishin then it definitely limits the market tremendously as only maybe teams like Dallas (Robertson), St. Louis (Thomas or Kyrou), Vancouver (Pettersson or Boeser), & New York Rangers (Panarin) as those teams are just off the top of my head as there are maybe a few more. The possibility is there but it depends on various factors for each team of course. But it is an interesting proposition that GMs will look at the possibility no doubt.
Robertson or Thomas would be better 2C options for the Hurricanes.
So let me get this straight: If I have an extra superstar laying around gathering dust you’ll give me Nikishin for him? Atta boy. Keep the ask simple so people can tell you to pound sand straight off and keep the phone bill down. Are ya kidding?