Hurricanes’ Alexander Nikishin Still Hoping For Trade

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin became the focus of summer trade speculation after reportedly requesting a move at the end of the 2025-26 season. Little has materialized since, but Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports that Nikishin’s stance has not changed. The unsigned restricted free agent is still seeking a change of scenery, offering one more chance for a offseason blockbuster before the 2026-27 season begins.

It is unusual for a successful rookie to request a trade after winning the Stanley Cup in his first NHL season. Nikishin produced 11 goals and 33 points, but he struggled to climb Carolina’s depth chart. He averaged 18 minutes of ice time during the regular season and 15 minutes in the playoffs. Entering 2026-27, he appears headed for a similar role behind Jalen Chatfield and Sean Walker.

A third-pair role could be difficult for a defenseman who once stood atop Russian hockey. Nikishin emerged as a star for SKA St. Petersburg and led all KHL defensemen in scoring in both 2022-23 and 2023-24. He was SKA’s clear top defenseman during those seasons, a role far removed from his current place in Carolina’s lineup.

An ideal change of scenery would likely give Nikishin an opportunity to grow into a top-pair role. He may also want time on the first power-play unit after playing behind Shayne Gostisbehere on Carolina’s second unit last season. Either opportunity could make him a breakout candidate. Nikishin surpassed 50 points twice during his five-year KHL career and may believe he can eventually approach that production in the NHL.

Nikishin’s unique upside would attract significant interest on the trade market, but it could also make a deal difficult to complete. The St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators are among the teams reportedly interested. Both clubs could offer Carolina substantial draft capital and high-upside prospects, but neither may be positioned to meet the Hurricanes’ preference for immediate roster upgrades. St. Louis retooled its roster with the acquisitions and extensions of Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael, leaving fewer expendable pieces. Nashville faces a similar constraint after tearing down its roster following the hiring of general manager Chris MacFarland.

Lacking assets from interested teams could push the Hurricanes to get a bit more creative. A high-upside, 24-year-old defenseman could be exactly what the Winnipeg Jets are hoping to return in any trade of star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. A move for Hellebuyck, focused around Nikishin, would satisfy two public trade requests while providing Carolina a major upgrade over Brandon Bussi in net. The Hurricanes would need to move additional pieces to fit Hellebuyck’s $8.5MM cap hit, with Carolina currently boasting $8.18MM in available cap space per PuckPedia.

The details of any trade – and Nikishin’s willingness to sign with a new club – will be pivotal as Carolina considers his long-running request. His departure would cost the Hurricanes one of the league’s top young players, but their organizational depth could soften the loss. Carolina received a promising performance from 24-year-old Joel Nystrom last season and also has Mike Reilly and Pierre-Olivier Joseph on the NHL roster. Any of the three could fill Nikishin’s third-pair role if the Hurricanes do not replace him directly in a trade. That depth gives Carolina flexibility as it weighs a major move before the season begins.