The Carolina Hurricanes have never been shy about swinging big at the Trade Deadline-and it looks like they’re gearing up to do it again. This time, the buzz is that they might be willing to part with one of their most intriguing young pieces: rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin.
According to reporting from Sportsnet Today, Carolina would consider moving Nikishin if the return is a high-end player with contract control-think star or even superstar level. That’s a steep ask, and rightfully so.
But it also signals just how serious the Hurricanes are about making a run.
Let’s be clear: Nikishin isn’t just another promising rookie. He’s been one of the most impactful first-year defensemen in the league this season.
Through 50 games, he’s put up six goals and 20 points, good for second and third among rookie blueliners. He’s also a +12-tops among that same group.
And it’s not just the scoring numbers. Nikishin leads all rookie defensemen in hits (92) and sits second in blocked shots (61).
He’s brought a physical edge, positional versatility, and a poise that’s rare for a player adjusting to the NHL after a breakout season overseas.
Speaking of that breakout, Nikishin didn’t just have a good year in the KHL-he rewrote the record books. With 11 goals and 55 points in 65 games, he shattered the mark for most points by a U22 defenseman in league history.
That’s not a typo: he finished 20 points ahead of the next closest player. He was the top defenseman for SKA St.
Petersburg, arguably the most high-profile club in Russia, and even got a taste of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with Carolina last season. So yeah, if Carolina’s dangling this guy, they’re not just fishing for depth-they’re hunting for a game-changer.
Now, would they actually move him? That’s a tougher call.
The asking price is sky-high, and it should be. But that won’t stop teams from calling.
A contender like Dallas, for example, could see Nikishin as a perfect short-term answer with Lian Bichsel sidelined-and maybe the Hurricanes could pry away someone like Jason Robertson in return. Or perhaps a team like St.
Louis, looking to retool on the fly, could view Nikishin as a long-term anchor on the blue line and be willing to talk about center Robert Thomas.
The Hurricanes are positioned as one of the more flexible teams heading into the deadline. They’ve got an estimated $35.48 million in cap space to work with, per PuckPedia, and they hold two first-round picks and a second-rounder over the next two drafts.
That kind of capital-both financial and draft-gives them serious leverage in just about any trade conversation. Add in a prospect like Nikishin, and suddenly Carolina can match or outbid nearly anyone.
What this all adds up to is a team that’s clearly in win-now mode, but not at the expense of long-term vision. The Hurricanes know the window is open, and they’re not afraid to make bold moves to push through it. Whether or not Nikishin is part of that equation remains to be seen-but the fact that his name is even in the conversation tells you everything you need to know about how aggressive Carolina might be at this year’s deadline.