Alexander Nikishin is suddenly in play as the Hurricanes completed a move by sending the young defenseman to the trade market in steps of completing a deal.
That's the development making noise after Darren Dreger reported Carolina is at least considering the idea of moving Nikishin.
Several teams have reportedly backed up that line of thinking around the league, which tells you this isn't just random offseason chatter.
Nikishin is a restricted free agent, and that puts Carolina in a tight spot. The Hurricanes can extend him, or they can test what the market is willing to pay in trade value.
That's where this gets interesting for Montreal.
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A profile the Canadiens don't often get a shot at: Nikishin
A young right-handed defenseman with real upside almost never shakes loose. When that kind of player even appears to be available, front offices pay attention fast.
Nikishin also arrives with a serious résumé. He's a Stanley Cup champion, and that matters when teams start weighing upside against readiness.
For the Canadiens, the fit on paper is obvious. Montreal has been looking for help on the right side of its blue line, and Nikishin checks that box right away.
That's why one trade idea has already started making the rounds. Some have suggested Kaiden Guhle, whose contract gives cost certainty, as a possible return.
There's logic to that proposal. Guhle is already established, he plays hard minutes, and he gives any team a dependable piece on the back end.
But from Montreal's side, that would still be a heavy price.
Guhle isn't a spare part, and moving him would create a different hole even if Nikishin fills another need.
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That's the balancing act here. Nikishin may be the type of right-shot defenseman the Canadiens want, but acquiring him could mean giving up one of the few young defenders already trusted in key situations.
There's also a difference between monitoring a player and going all-in on him.
Right now, there's no sign the Canadiens are seriously preparing that kind of move.
Still, this is the sort of file worth watching closely. If Carolina opens the door, Kent Hughes will at least have to measure what it would take and whether the upside is worth the swing.
Should the Canadiens trade Kaiden Guhle for Alexander Nikishin?
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