The Hurricanes want something close to two first-round picks for Alexander Nikishin, according to Elliotte Friedman, and they still want Connor Hellebuyck too.
"I think that Carolina wants something akin to two first rounders for Nikishin. Whether it's two first round picks or comparable talent," Friedman said on 32 Thoughts.
He also said the Hurricanes are "still very very interested" in the Jets goalie. "I think they would like to get him."
The defenseman has requested a trade and has permission to talk to some teams.
A deal with the Rangers was in place before contract talks fell apart, with the player reportedly asking around five years at $9 million per season.
He's coming off 33 points and a plus-18 in his first full NHL season.
So is two firsts a fair price?
Elliotte Friedman reveals Hurricanes' plan for Nikishin and Hellebuyck
It's steep, but not crazy. Two firsts for a 24-year-old defenseman who just played 17 games in a Cup run is a number the Hurricanes can defend.
The catch is the contract. Any team paying that price also has to meet the ask that reportedly sank the Rangers deal, and Friedman says the Blues were "legitimately interested" too.
Nikishin put up 56 points for SKA St. Petersburg in 2023-24 before coming over.
Carolina's goalie picture is already crowded. The Hurricanes just gave Pyotr Kochetkov a two-year extension worth $3.95 million a season.
Hellebuyck carries an $8,500,000 cap hit, and Friedman doesn't expect him to report for the start of the season. The Jets suspended him September 17.
Friedman has also floated a three-way framework, with Nikishin possibly helping pull off a Hellebuyck deal.
It's like trading in your car and buying a new one on the same afternoon. Both deals have to close, and neither dealer cares about your schedule.
The Hurricanes open Tuesday at home against Florida, while the Jets host Boston on October 2.
Two firsts is the sticker price. Whether anyone pays it before Carolina drops the puck Tuesday is the next domino in this whole saga.
Is Alexander Nikishin worth two first-round picks?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Friedman confirms a three-way Hellebuyck trade is in the picture with another star involved
