Overview
- Pierre LeBrun reported on Monday that Nikishin’s request for a “change of scenery” after the Stanley Cup run remains in place and his camp has not backed down.
- The Hurricanes announced on Wednesday that the unsigned Nikishin will miss training camp while his contract status is unresolved.
- Multiple teams have been publicly linked to interest in Nikishin, most often the St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets, and he was previously floated in talks tied to Connor Hellebuyck.
- Nikishin is a restricted free agent who cannot receive an offer sheet because he has not met the games-played threshold, so Carolina controls his rights while reports say his camp is seeking a significantly higher next deal.
- Carolina has added left-side depth and coach Rod Brind’Amour said the team will move on if necessary, meaning a trade or a roster adjustment is likely before the regular season begins.