Five potential destinations for Alexander Nikishin
Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin remains without a contract and speculation about his future in Carolina continues. The 24-year-old confirmed to RG media that he’s looking for a big contract. A look at some potential teams who might be interested in the left-handed defenseman.
Calgary Flames – Have the cap to give him the money he might be looking for and could use a left-handed defenseman to play beside Zayne Parekh or Simon Nemec. Would he want to play in Calgary?
Philadelphia Flyers – Could use an upgrade on the left side. He’d fit their timeline, but would the Hurricanes want to trade him within the division?
Seattle Kraken – Could the side do a deal involving picks, Nikishin, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi for Shane Wright, and some veteran help? Would need to work out the cap numbers.
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Vancouver Canucks – A nice addition to their top-four and could offer lots of ice time. They aren’t competing for the playoffs or Cup anytime soon.
Winnipeg Jets – Would need to move out money. Trading Connor Hellebuyck somewhere would free up cap space. Would be on the second pair behind Josh Morrissey. If the Jets aren’t interested in a rebuild, he’d fit.
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5. Zach Bolduc – Montreal Canadiens – He’s coming off a 12 goal, 18 assist season. The Canadiens have plenty of cap space to re-sign him, they’re just being patient. GM Kent Hughes might be thinking a four-year bridge deal around $3 million, the same he did for Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.
4. Alexander Nikishin – Carolina Hurricanes – He’s asking for around $8 million, and the Hurricanes have just under $9.9 million in cap space. The Hurricanes may not want to pay him $7.5 million.
3. Simon Edvinsson – Detroit Red Wings – Emerged a top-four defenseman who could play some shutdown minutes. He could command more than $7 million-plus deals that Pavel Minyukov and Simon Nemec signed. The Red Wings have the cap space to match an offer sheet.
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2. Adam Fantilli – Columbus Blue Jackets – Can handle a top-six role but still has some inconsistencies. Given the recent big deals young RFAs have signed, he could be asking for $12 million-plus. The Blue Jackets have just under $13.5 million.
1. Cutter Gauthier – Anaheim Ducks – Gauthier could be looking in the $14 to $16 million range after a 41 goals, 28 assist season. The Ducks have just over $9 million in cap space.
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