- Elliotte Friedman says no Alexander Nikishin trade is on the immediate radar
- The unsigned RFA reportedly has no Dec. 1 deadline to sign
- Read below for what it means for Carolina and the teams chasing him
Don’t expect an Alexander Nikishin trade anytime soon.
Elliotte Friedman said on Sportsnet’s Saturday Headlines that he has no sense of a deal coming together. Friedman was asked about the Hurricanes defenseman’s trade request and where it stands.
“I’m just under the impression right now there’s absolutely no trade possibility on the immediate radar,” Friedman said. “The biggest question is if he’s gonna go back. I think the Hurricanes would take him back.”
That is a big shift from a few weeks ago. Friedman reported then that Nikishin turned down an eight-year offer from Carolina and wanted to be moved, with the Kings and Rangers among the names attached. A Rangers deal had been close before contract talks fell apart.
Now the season is a week old, and the urgency has drained out of the market. Blues and Predators interest has been reported, but nothing is moving.
Nikishin also has more time than usual. Pro Hockey Rumors noted that Sportsnet’s Frank Seravalli reported he doesn’t have to sign by the start of December, the deadline most RFAs face. He is also stuck as a 10.2.c RFA, which means no other team can send him an offer sheet.
Carolina holds the leverage. The Stanley Cup champs have kept winning without him and still have around $9.3 million in cap space to bring him back whenever he’s ready.
Nikishin is the one with a decision to make. Come back and play, or keep waiting for a phone call that may not come.
