Teams around the National Hockey League have wasted no time trying to improve their roster as there have already been a plethora of notable trades.

However, the Los Angeles Kings have been one of the few teams that haven't done anything in the trade department. They did sign Brandt Clarke to a new five-year deal, but aside from that, they have remained rather quiet.

But, that could change according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman who said on the latest episode of '32 Thoughts' that the Kings are among teams with serious interest in acquiring Alexander Nikishin from the Carolina Hurricanes.

After just one season in Carolina, Alexander Nikishin has already found himself in trade talks. The Stanley Cup Champion Hurricanes have yet to make any progress when it comes to signing the pending RFA. The Canes aren't trying to give the 24-year-old away, but they are rumoured to be taking calls.

It appears that one of those teams potentially calling Eric Tulsky and company is the Los Angeles Kings.  After signing Clarke to a long-term extension, the Kings may be searching for his long-term partner.

Nikishin, 24, and Clarke, 23 would immediately become one of the NHL's best and most promising young defensive pairings. 

In his rookie season in 2025-26, Nikishin put together a very strong campaign. In 81 games, he scored 11 goals along with 22 assists for 33 points. He was solid defensively as well, accumulating a +18 rating.

If not for this year's incredibly strong rookie class, Nikishin likely would have gotten more votes for the Calder Trophy which is award to the Rookie of the Year in the NHL. Regardless, he finished 7th in Calder voting and found himself on the NHL's All Rookie Team.

It has been rumoured that Nikishin grew frustrated with his role as he played majority of the Playoffs on the Canes third pair while they made their Stanley Cup run. This could be an avenue for Carolina to explore options as they would likely acquire a sizeable return in exchange for Nikishin.

It may take a lot, and the Kings front office would have to negotiate a new contract with the Russian defender, but it could be worth a shot to cement a dynamic top pairing for years to come.

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