3 Carolina Hurricanes Trade Candidates Heading Into Next Season

The Carolina Hurricanes may be Stanley Cup champions, but that doesn't mean their roster is finalized heading into next season. Trade talks continue for general manager Eric Tulsky, and fully expect to see at least one more move from the 'Canes before training camps open.

Here's three Hurricanes who are prime trade candidates heading into next season:

Alexander Nikishin

The 24-year-old defenceman continues to sit without a contract for next season. Nikishin is a restricted free agent and multiple teams have reached out recently with trade offers. Nikishin, a former third-round pick, appeared in 81 games for the Hurricanes last season, and as a rookie, averaged 18:11 of ice-time and posted 11 goals and 33 points. The Anaheim Ducks and Philadelphia Flyers appear to have the most interest.

Jesper Kotkaniemi

Another NHL season, another round of trade rumors for Kotkaniemi. The Hurricanes have been trying to rid themselves of the Finnish forward for a couple of years now and haven't had any luck. Some felt he would be dealt to either the Vancouver Canucks or Pittsburgh Penguins in June at the NHL Draft, but those talks fell through. Kotkaniemi has four years left on his contract at $4.8 million AAV, and owns a 10-team no-trade list. He posted just nine points in 42 games last season, and Tulsky is going to try to do whatever he can to move Kotkaniemi without having to retain salary, or add a trade sweetener. Good luck.

Pyotr Kochetkov

The Russian netminder took a backseat to Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi in the playoffs, and even though Andersen is in Edmonton now, the Hurricanes signed Bussi to a long-term deal. Kochetkov was almost traded before last season's trade deadline, and the Hurricanes are expected to once again field some calls. He's a pending unrestricted free agent and don't be surprised to see the Hurricanes try to land an experienced goaltender to tandem with Bussi. Jordan Binnington is available and on the Hurricanes' radar.