Hurricanes’ RFA Nikishin Projected To Land With Central Division Team

It was an excellent first season in the NHL for 24-year-old Russian blueliner Alexander Nikishin. Now, as a restricted free agent, he's looking to cash in big-time, leading to a stalemate between his camp and the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Nikishin has hinted that he's seeking an AAV north of $8 million. But the Stanley Cup champs are reluctant to commit long-term megabucks to a player with just one year of experience at the NHL level. Add to that the fact that his usage went down considerably in the playoffs, and we have the makings of an impasse. 

Enter the trade rumors. And one team that's been linked at times throughout the summer is resurfacing again. 

The St. Louis Blues are heading into a transition season, as they look to head into the future under their newly named captain, and a younger roster. The next move, according to a projection by insider Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic, could see them dealing for Nikishin before the start of the 2026-27 season. But not at the money he's asking for. 

Alexander Nikishin, 24, fits the profile that new general manager Alexander Steen is seeking. He’s a 6-foot-3, 218-pound, left-shot blueliner who won a Stanley Cup last season. 

It makes sense that the Blues would be interested, but in addition to the assets it would cost to trade for him, would they want to pay Nikishin more than what they’re paying (Philip) Broberg ($8 million AAV)? Doubtful. But this is too good of a fit, so I’ll say Nikishin’s stalemate with Carolina leads to a reasonable trade ask and a bridge deal with the Blues gets him in the fold.

Rutherford is so certain of this possibility, he made it #1 on his list of 10 bold predictions for the Blues this season. 

Nikishin finished last season with 33 points in 81 games and plus/minus rating of +18, along with 132 hits and 94 blocked shots.