Stanley Cup champion wants to play for the Canadiens, but a problem arises
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Insider David Pagnotta says a Canadiens deal for Alexander Nikishin is dead, leaving the unsigned Hurricanes defenseman short on options as the season nears.
The Alexander Nikishin to Montreal chatter may have just run out of road.
According to David Pagnotta on the DFO Insider, the player had some interest in finding a way to Montreal, but nothing ever came together, and Pagnotta understands the idea is now finished.
"I believe there was an interest from the player to seek out something with the Canadiens, but it didn't come to fruition, and my understanding is that it's dead in the water."
- David Pagnotta
- David Pagnotta
That's a notable update, because the Canadiens had been tied to the Carolina Hurricanes defenseman since the summer.
Pairing him with Montreal's young core had plenty of fans dreaming about a stronger blue line.
Where things stand in Carolina
Nikishin is a restricted free agent and still has no contract.
He skipped Hurricanes training camp and reportedly asked for a trade after last season.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that his ask is five years at $9 million per season, a number Carolina has not been comfortable with.
Last year was his first in the NHL.
He played 81 games and finished with 11 goals and 33 points, a solid rookie year, but that price tag appears to be giving other teams pause too.
Friedman also reported that Carolina had the framework of a trade with the New York Rangers earlier this offseason, but it fell apart over contract negotiations.
So the market is there. It just hasn't produced a finished deal yet.
What comes next for Nikishin
With Montreal reportedly out of the picture, the Hurricanes need another path.
Either Nikishin and the club find middle ground on a contract, or a different team steps up with a trade offer.
The regular season is here, so the clock is ticking for everyone involved.
For now, the Canadiens look like a team that will move on, and the Nikishin saga rolls on with no clear ending in sight.
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