Alexander Nikishin's trade request in Carolina finally has a clearer explanation, and it starts with Rod Brind'Amour's crowded Hurricanes blue line.
Frank Seravalli said Nikishin wasn't "very thrilled with his upward mobility in the Canes lineup," pointing straight at the defencemen ahead of him.
"The guys that are in front of him, as great as last year was from a team perspective," Seravalli said on Frankly Hockey. That's the heart of it.
The depth chart explains the frustration. Jaccob Slavin and K'Andre Miller carry the big contracts, and veterans like Shayne Gostisbehere, Sean Walker and Jalen Chatfield are all in the mix.
For a young defenceman who wants a bigger role, that's a crowded room. He was reportedly asking for around five years at $9 million, the kind of deal that comes with top-pair expectations.
Carolina has been working with his new agent, Paul Theofanous, to try to execute a trade, per Seravalli.
Where Alexander Nikishin could land as teams hunt for defence
St. Louis has been linked to Nikishin all offseason, and the Blues still need help on the back end.
Toronto makes sense too. Chris Tanev is on injured reserve, John Chayka has said he's open to adding on defence, and the Leafs already brought in Sergei Bobrovsky and Kirill Marchenko.
Philadelphia's blue line has struggled during a winless start, and Edmonton gave up 13 goals in its first two games. Both could use a young defenceman with upside.
There's even been talk of a three-way deal involving Nikishin and Connor Hellebuyck, with Carolina chasing a goalie upgrade.
Toronto is the best fit. The Leafs need a younger defenceman right now, and the Russian connection in that room could help the move feel like home.
He's like a talented understudy stuck behind a cast that never misses a show. Eventually, he wants his name on the poster.
-
Carolina is 5-1-1 and hosts Washington on Tuesday. The Hurricanes don't need to rush, but a player who wants out rarely gets happier with time.
Nikishin wants a bigger role. Whichever team gives him one could land a young defenceman just as he hits his stride.
Should the Maple Leafs trade for Alexander Nikishin?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Boarding major may lead to NHL's longest suspension of the season yet
