Hurricanes evaluating Nikishin trade market — The Fourth Period
vThe Carolina Hurricanes are entertaining trade calls on defenceman Alexander Nikishin, who is set to become a restricted free agent July 1.
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Hurricanes are fielding calls on Nikishin as a result of his contract demands and “upwards of six teams are in the mix.”
Nikishin, 24, tallied 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points, along with 33 penalty minutes, in 81 games with Carolina this past season, helping them capture the Stanley Cup.
This isn’t the first time Nikishin’s name has popped up in trade chatter. In January, TFP’s David Pagnotta reported the Hurricanes were willing to move him “for a big fish” and teams continued to inquire leading up to the trade deadline.
It is not yet known the type of contract Nikishin is looking for, and despite the Hurricanes owning over $11 million in salary cap space, the club is exploring the trade market.
