Hurricanes' RFA Alexander Nikishin Speaks Out On Contract Demands & Trade Rumors
When asked about rumors that he wants $8 million per season on his new deal, the defenceman smiled and said: 'More.'
"The salary cap keeps growing, and defencemen are getting bigger salaries," the Russian added. "You can already feel the difference. I think contracts will keep getting bigger and bigger over time."
But while he sits without a contract as we head into the final month of the summer break, he's leaving all the negotiating to his representatives.
"My agents handle that. I don't push the situation much, they take care of everything themselves. If something concrete comes up, they'll call me. Right now there's nothing concrete about the contract."
Nikishin says he is demanding north of $8M on a new contract
Nikishin's two-year entry-level deal expired after his rookie season this past year. His first season in the NHL went extremely well for the left-shot defenseman, as he produced 11 goals and 33 points with a plus/minus rating of +18, along with 132 hits delivered in 81 games. He averaged 18:11 ice time per night. He earned a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team.
The playoffs did not go as well, as he suffered a minor concussion early, and his role shrunk considerably. He saw only sheltered third-pairing minutes upon his return. He averaged just 14:50 TOI in the postseason, and had just one point in 17 games. Nevertheless, he's got a Stanley Cup ring from his one and only season in the NHL.
The Canes have $9.8 million in cap space remaining for the coming season, per PuckPedia, and whether they're ready to give 90% of it to Nikishin is still very much up in the air.
His name will continue to be on the rumor mill until a deal is done, but the big Russian just ignores all that.
"Trade rumors are normal for us."