Rangers, Hurricanes nearly completed Alexander Nikishin trade

Elliotte Friedman confirmed on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast that the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes nearly completed an Alexander Nikishin trade. Per Friedman, the Canes were looking for a pair of first round picks, which it seems Chris Drury would have paid for the 24 year old left handed defenseman. The issue was the contract, as to complete the Alexander Nikishin trade, the Rangers would have needed to agree on a contract with the young defenseman. That never panned out.

The Alexander Nikihin trade rumors were all over the place this summer, but the Rangers distanced themselves from Nikishin after drafting Alberts Smits and trading for Marcus Pettersson, giving up a 2030 1st round pick to land the 30 year old, top four defenseman. It’s safe to say that pick would have been included in the deal, and likely one other piece. It’s hard to say exactly what the other piece was, but assume it has the same value as another 1st round pick. Take that as you will.

Nikishin is rumored to be seeking close to $9 million a year and remains unsigned by the Hurricanes. The Rangers are likely no longer in the running for his services.