Maple Leafs & Hurricanes Linked To Alexander Nikishin Trade

Friday, November 13, 2026 ,
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Alexander Nikishin signed a one-year deal to return to the Carolina Hurricanes, but that doesn't mean he wants to stick around long term. There's been plenty of coverage out of Carolina that he's still holding firm on his trade request, and one team to keep an eye on - the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Leafs GM John Chayka has made it very clear his priority is to upgrade his defense core as soon as possible. Chayka's been working the phones, looking for the right deal, and Nikishin would be the type of impact defenceman the Leafs' exec would love to get his hands on. 

The only issue is finances for the Leafs, as they have very limited cap space, and because of their recent contract extension for Kirill Marchenko, are pressed against the cap next season thanks to contract tagging, and it's only a money in/money out situation that's going to work.

The Hurricanes are open to moving Nikishin, as they're settled in as a contender in the Eastern Conference once again, and could be open to a couple of different trade scenarios with the Maple Leafs. Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin recently commented on the Nikishin trade rumors and how the Leafs could get involved with a future-based trade package:
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