Alexander Nikishin Trade Market Heating Up as Carolina Weighs Multiple Offers

The Alexander Nikishin situation in Carolina is quickly becoming one of the most compelling subplots of the NHL offseason. A budding defenseman who doesn’t seem to be on the same page as the team he just won the Stanley Cup with, the Hurricanes might move on from a player who is gathering a ton of interest around the league.

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According to Darren Dreger, multiple teams have confirmed that the Carolina Hurricanes are actively considering a trade involving the 24-year-old defenseman, with upwards of six teams believed to be circling. Dreger posted on Thursday morning, “Strong market circling Alexander Nikishin. Upwards of 6 teams in the mix. As a pending restricted free agent, his contract ask is clearly a major factor.”

Nikishin, a pending restricted free agent and fresh Stanley Cup champion, posted 33 points in 81 regular-season games this past year before adding one point in 17 playoff contests during Carolina’s championship run.

The contract situation appears to be a driving force behind the discussions. Per sources close to the situation, Nikishin and his agent are not approaching negotiations with the team-friendly mindset that players like Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven brought to the table last offseason. On any long-term deal, there is no desire to take a discount — with any concession only coming on a shorter bridge deal, a structure that is generally less favorable to the team.

The Hurricanes Aren’t Willing to Lock in and Overpay Nikishin

There is a solid chance that Nikishin continues trending upward, which is what several teams are betting on. However, he’s relatively inexperienced and the Hurricanes aren’t in the business of buying high. They look for bargains right before players hit. If they can’t get them, they move on. Other teams see what Nikishin could be, and they’re more willing to bet on his trajectory.

That dynamic is forcing Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky to weigh his options carefully. Carolina was previously reported to have considered Nikishin as part of packages for marquee names like Robert Thomas and Quinn Hughes earlier in the year, raising questions about whether the team is still hunting a high-profile return.

This should be interesting. If a bidding war begins, how much could the defenseman fetch Carolina?

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Jets, Canucks & Oilers’ Babcock Impact