Leafs acquire Alexander Nikishin, trade Morgan Rielly out west in three-team trade proposal
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Two stalemates could end with one deal. The Toronto Maple Leafs want a younger, more mobile blue line, while the Carolina Hurricanes are stuck with an unsigned defenseman who wants out.
A three-team trade involving Morgan Rielly and Alexander Nikishin could solve both problems.
How the Trade Works
Toronto acquires Nikishin in a sign-and-trade with Carolina. Rielly heads to the Anaheim Ducks.
The Hurricanes receive prospect defenseman Ben Danford and a 2027 second-round pick from Toronto, while Anaheim sends a 2028 third-round pick to the Leafs. Toronto is paying for Nikishin here, not for the privilege of moving Rielly.
Why Each Team Says Yes
Carolina is not desperate, but the standoff is real. Nikishin did not report to camp and has not backed down from his summer trade request, and the Rangers nearly sealed a deal before contract talks between New York and the defenseman fell short.
Insider Elliotte Friedman says Nikishin is losing leverage, but Carolina has little in the way of roster needs, so a prospect and picks make sense. They would be moving a rookie who posted 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games.
Toronto gets a young, left-shot, puck-moving defenseman on a projected deal near $6.4 million over six years, per AFP Analytics. That trims about $1.1 million from Rielly's $7.5 million cap hit, which runs through 2029-30, and shifts the money to a player in his prime.
GM John Chayka also said the Leafs never had a serious Rielly trade opportunity, so a three-way structure may be the only realistic route.
Anaheim is the key to Rielly's side. His agent submitted a list of four Western teams he would consider waiving his no-move clause for.
Anaheim has not been confirmed on it, but the Ducks are believed to have some interest. A 32-year-old coming off 36 points in 78 games would add veteran power-play help.
Obstacles remain. Nikishin must agree to terms, Rielly must approve the destination, and Toronto has said it won't pay a big price to move him. Carolina gets young assets, Toronto gets a blue-line piece to build around, and Rielly gets the fresh start his camp has been seeking.
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