Alexander Nikishin wants out of Carolina, and the Hurricanes defenseman already has at least six teams calling, per The Fourth Period.
The outlet reported Monday that the Blues, Maple Leafs, Islanders, Predators, Flyers and Kraken are among the clubs that have inquired.
That's a long list for a player who has yet to play a game this season.
The 25-year-old left-shot defenseman posted 33 points and a +18 rating with Carolina last season.
A 25-year-old defenseman hitting the market in October is like a waterfront lot going up for sale. Everybody drives by, but only a few can afford it.
Eric Tulsky doesn't have to rush. The Hurricanes are 8-2-1 and sit first in the entire league.
That gives Carolina all the leverage. A contender doesn't need to sell low on a young blueliner.
Maple Leafs and Blues headline a crowded list of suitors
Toronto makes the most sense. The Leafs are hunting a top-four defenseman and are willing to move young assets and the Colorado first-round pick they hold next year.
St. Louis has been linked before. Jeremy Rutherford called acquiring him a possibility that makes sense, while noting the Blues stick to their price.
Doug Armstrong tends to hold firm on value, and that patience could cost him in a race this crowded.
The Blues are 4-4-1 after Tuesday's 2-1 win over Winnipeg, and they host Carolina on Saturday.
The Islanders have allowed just 20 goals, so their interest may be about depth rather than desperation.
Philadelphia is riding a three-game winning streak, while Nashville and Seattle round out the list.
Barry Trotz's Predators sit at 3-2-3, and Andrew Brunette could use another reliable piece on the back end.
Seattle has allowed 34 goals in 10 games, reason enough to want help on the blue line.
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So who wins the race? Six teams have made calls, and Tulsky only has to find one offer he likes.
Should the Maple Leafs trade their Colorado first-round pick for Alexander Nikishin?
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