Alexander Nikishin may be why the Carolina Hurricanes can't close a Connor Hellebuyck deal, per a report that surfaced Friday.
Elliotte Friedman said again on the 32 Thoughts Podcast that the young defenseman may have permission to speak with some teams.
The belief attached to that report is blunt. Nikishin wouldn't sign with the Jets, and that's why a Hellebuyck trade to Carolina hasn't come together.
So the blueliner reportedly central to the talks is the one piece who won't commit to Winnipeg. Tough spot for everybody at the table.
It's easy to see why the Jets would want him. As a rookie last season, the left-shot defender played 81 games and put up 33 points, 11 of them goals.
He also finished a +18. The spring was quieter, with one assist across 17 playoff games, but Carolina leaned on him all the way through.
Nikishin's RFA status leaves Carolina with a leverage problem
His last deal carried a $925,000 cap hit through 2025-26. He's a restricted free agent now, which is exactly why permission to talk to other clubs matters.
Trading for an RFA who won't sign with you is like buying a house while the seller refuses to hand over the keys. You own the address. Not much else.
Hellebuyck carries an $8,500,000 cap hit, third highest among NHL goaltenders. That's a big number for Eric Tulsky to absorb.
And Kevin Cheveldayoff has zero incentive to accept a lesser package. Why would Winnipeg move a Vezina-caliber goalie for a defenseman it can't lock up?
Here's the part Carolina should sit with. Gutting the blue line to chase this deal, then watching the sweetener balk at Manitoba, would be a bad trade. Full stop.
The Hurricanes don't look desperate on the ice. They edged Nashville 6-5 on Thursday for their second straight preseason win.
Rod Brind'Amour's group heads back to Nashville on Saturday afternoon. The trade chatter isn't going to stay out of the room that long.
Winnipeg, meanwhile, plays in Colorado tonight. Scott Arniel's club dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to Edmonton on Tuesday in its last outing.
Carolina drafted the Orel native 69th overall in 2020 and waited years for him to arrive. Before crossing over, he posted 55 points in 65 games with St. Petersburg SKA in 2022-23.
That history makes this a hard piece for Tulsky to dangle. And a hard piece for anyone else to pry loose.
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The Hurricanes visit Winnipeg on October 17. Whether Hellebuyck is in the other crease that night may hinge on a 24-year-old and which cities he's willing to call home.
Should the Hurricanes include Alexander Nikishin in a Connor Hellebuyck trade even if he refuses to sign in Winnipeg?
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