Stung by high contract demands and defensive inconsistencies, the Stanley Cup champions may trade their offensive blueliner to land a multi-time Vezina winner for the crease.
The Carolina Hurricanes are fresh off becoming Stanley Cup champions, yet the work to improve stops for no one.
The Canes have just three players left currently on expiring deals and one such player is rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin.
Nikishin had a strong rookie season from an offensive standpoint, putting up 11 goals and 33 points in 81 regular season games, but had his struggles, especially in his first NHL postseason.
The young defenseman had difficulties with defending, often getting tunnel visioned on one threat and either being too aggressive in the neutral zone or losing a player in a dangerous position.
Rod Brind'Amour also talked multiple times about Nikishin's struggles with keeping a consistent intensity throughout his shifts and that was something that came up throughout the year.
But again, he's got one of the best shots on the team and has a really good feel for the offensive side of the game.
It was his first year playing in North America and I think there's still a ton of talent there to bet on, especially being that the Hurricanes don't have a defenseman like him in the system.
The 24-year-old Russian blueliner, who is an upcoming RFA, is supposedly looking for a big payday though from his first true contract according to Darren Dreger and the Canes are reportedly not too ecstatic to pay his asking price.
Dreger also stated that Nikishin wasn't happy with his role on the team, being a third pairing defenseman and being in and out of the power play rotation.
While price may be a sticking point for a deal in Carolina, the Hurricanes have been taking calls on Nikishin and reportedly offered him as part of a package for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck according to Frank Seravalli.
The U.S. gold medalist has five years remaining on his deal and has long been considered one of the NHL's best goaltenders with three Vezina Trophies and even a Hart.
The NHL draft kicks off on Friday and we all know that's the time when deals get done, so time will tell where these negotiations go.
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