Will There Be A Team That Overvalues Nikishin?

There has been much talk about the availability of Alex Nikishin out of Carolina and for good reason. Reports have suggested that Alex is looking for 8 million or more for 8 years on a long-term contract. The question is... is he worth that? I would suggest no, and I am pretty sure the Canes will be suggesting that as well.

I am not saying Nikishin is not a good prospect, but he is on the older side of prospect age at 25 years and really has been given very sheltered deployment be Rod Brind'Amour as far as line deployment is concerned. In fact, it is pretty amazing that Brindy was able to keep Nikitin's minutes so high with so sheltered opponent deployment. Defensively it has been tough for Nikishin and that is with very little time against elite talent. There is a lot to like about Nikishin's game. Big shot, good PK ability, big frame that is willing to hit, but I want to see more before I am dropping 8 sheets for 8 years. I will also note that Nikishin has played often on his off side which is a big feather in his cap and probably also contributes to his poor 5 on 5 defense. Alex's minutes and effectiveness dropped considerably in the playoffs when teams could isolate him as a weak link on the roster because they working Xs and Os focused on just one team. Still has planet of late bloomer potential but a tad overrated and more towards the Mason Lohrei side of things than an 8 mil player. Unless you think Lohrei, Who played tougher deployment in Boston is an 8 million plus player.