The Carolina Hurricanes have likely lost count of all the trade rumors shipping Alexander Nikishin out.
Nevertheless, more are rising to the surface.
In fact, one of the more recent trade rumors shows an interesting development that could occur.
Hurricanes Trade Pitch Lands Minnesota Wild’s Goaltender
Let’s be real, stranger things have happened in the NHL.
Yet this is still an intriguing proposal from Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report — shipping Nikishin out to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for netminder Filip Gustavsson.
“Hear me out on this,” he prefaced. “Jesper Wallstedt has become the No. 1 starter in Minnesota, and while the Wild might like the idea of keeping both Wallstedt and Gustavsson long-term, that’s probably not viable financially given Gustavsson’s $6.8 million cap hit over this season plus four more and whatever Wallstedt’s next contract looks like (probably not cheap).
“Carolina has a great trade chip in defenseman Alexander Nikishin, and Minnesota might be in the market for a longer-term, young defensive option given the uncertainty around the future of Quinn Hughes…”
Gustavsson is now in his age-28 season; this marks his sixth season playing in the National Hockey League.
Last season, he appeared in 50 games, making 49 starts.
He posted a 2.69 goals-against average with a .904 save percentage.
With the Hurricanes failing to strike a deal with the Winnipeg Jets for Connor Hellebuyck, perhaps Gustavsson could be in their future.
What Would It Mean To Lose Nikishin?
Whether or not Nikishin lands in Minnesota, it’s assumed the 25-year-old blueliner will end his time with Carolina.
Last season, he skated in 81 games and posted an 11-22-33 performance.
There are several NHL teams that have presumably expressed interest in Nikishin, so the ongoing saga is rather strange.
But here we are, considering any and all possibilities for the young defenseman.
Right now, the Hurricanes are leading the Metropolitan Division at 8-2-2 overall.
They’re trailed by the New York Rangers (7-4-1) and the New York Islanders (5-3-2) in second and third, respectively.
Carolina is coming off a disappointing 6-5 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Now, they’re gearing up for a matchup against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. ET at Enterprise Center.
Carolina Hurricanes Trade Pitch Loses Alexander Nikishin for Unexpected Goaltender