Carolina Hurricanes fans were already enthralled by Alexander Nikishin, however the rookie defenseman cemented himself as a fan favorite when he easily dropped Chicago Blackhawks center Oliver Moore in what he claimed was his first fight. The physical Russian added to his mystique after revealing that he doesn’t just like the combat element of the game, preferring to manage punishment through the game itself. Simply put, he’s a one-of-a-kind. The town may not wish to get overly attached to him, nevertheless.
The Hurricanes are open to trading Nikishin for a longtime star player, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta said, as conveyed by Gabriel Foley of ProHockeyRumors.com. The 24-year-old will probably be a restricted free agent at the top of the season, and will due to this fact be a potentially movable asset that Carolina can use to strengthen its Stanley Cup ambitions. Or, is Nikishin already the difference-maker the squad must contend for a title?
Many fans would answer the latter with a powerful yes. The previous Kontinental Hockey League standout signed with the Hurricanes during last 12 months’s playoffs, and he’s making outstanding progress in his first full NHL campaign. Nikishin has six goals, 14 assists, 61 blocks, 92 hits and a +12 plus-minus in 50 games. The 6-foot-3, 218-pounder is an imposing presence who brings vital toughness to the team. Carolina is not going to wish to lose that style of impact, unless it’s for a premium talent.
Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky is decided to vault the squad into the Stanley Cup Final — advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in two of the last three seasons — but he must also keep the large picture in mind. A big portion of the fan base believes Alexander Nikishin belongs in that big picture.