Insider reveals the one factor stopping a Connor Hellebuyck for Alexander Nikishin trade
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The Carolina Hurricanes still want Connor Hellebuyck, but a swap built around Alexander Nikishin carries a complication that could stop the Winnipeg Jets from pulling the trigger. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic identified the sticking point.
The obvious fly in the ointment with a Alexander Nikishin-Connor Hellebuyck trade is whether Winnipeg would want to inherit the problem Carolina has, as far as not knowing if he would sign
Nikishin is a 24-year-old restricted free agent without a contract. He was absent when Hurricanes camp opened, and general manager Eric Tulsky confirmed the defenseman is not under contract.
He has also asked to be moved, reportedly seeking a big raise from the $925,000 cap hit he carried last season.
Why Winnipeg Should Hesitate
On the ice, the appeal is easy to see. The 6-foot-3 blueliner scored 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games and finished seventh in Calder Trophy voting. Carolina reportedly floated a package featuring a first-round pick and Nikishin back in June.
Still, acquiring a player who has not agreed to terms could simply swap one headache for another. The Jets would own his rights, yet they could land in the same standoff Carolina faces now, with a prized asset sitting at home as the season approaches.
Winnipeg has been among the stingiest defensive teams anyway, so a top-six forward would fill a more urgent hole.
The Clock Keeps Ticking
Hellebuyck is suspended for skipping camp after making his trade request public in August. He has five years left on an $8.5 million cap hit and a full no-move clause this season, which becomes a 10-team list on July 1, 2027.
That structure narrows the options for Kevin Cheveldayoff, and Carolina's roughly $8.18 million in cap space would not cover the goalie without additional moves.
For now, the Hurricanes remain persistent, yet the Nikishin contract question hangs over everything. Until he signs somewhere, this deal looks tough to finish. Winnipeg must weigh patience, while Carolina must first fix its own problem.
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