Rangers, Hurricanes nearly made NHL blockbuster trade this offseason

NHL trade talks between the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes nearly produced a blockbuster deal earlier this offseason involving 24-year-old defenseman Alexander Nikishin, but contract demands ultimately prevented the move from happening.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Hurricanes had a significant asking price for Nikishin while negotiations between the defenseman and the Rangers also created an obstacle. Carolina was reportedly seeking two first-round picks or a comparable package in exchange for the Russian blueliner.

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Contract demands complicate trade

May 21, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (21) skates after the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in game one of the Eastern Conferene Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Nikishin had reportedly requested a trade out of Carolina after recording 11 goals and 33 points during his first full NHL season. He then added just one assist in 17 playoff games as the Hurricanes went on to win the Stanley Cup last June.

While the Rangers were willing to consider acquiring Nikishin, the bigger issue was reportedly his next contract. Nikishin is a restricted free agent, meaning Carolina retains his NHL rights even though he is currently without a contract.

Reports indicate that Nikishin is seeking a contract worth approximately $9 million per season. New York was not willing to meet those demands, and its limited salary-cap flexibility made such a deal even more difficult. The Rangers currently have less than $500,000 in projected cap space for the upcoming season.

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Nikishin remains without a contract

Despite the failed trade discussions, Nikishin has received permission from the Hurricanes to speak with other NHL teams about a potential deal. That could allow another club to emerge as a trade partner if it is willing to meet both Carolina’s asking price and the defenceman’s contract expectations.

For now, however, the Hurricanes are under no pressure to move Nikishin. Carolina can retain his rights while continuing to search for a deal that meets the organization’s demands.

With the NHL regular season set to begin Tuesday and Nikishin still unsigned, the defenceman could be forced to sit out at least part of the season.

The failed Rangers negotiations demonstrate how complicated the situation has become. Even if Carolina finds a team willing to surrender significant assets for Nikishin, his contract expectations could remain the deciding factor in whether a deal ultimately gets completed.

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