Hurricanes Reveal Condition to Acquire Nikishin

[smilinjoefission]

Nikishin is rumored to want $8.5 MM to re-sign.

Much better investment than the $6 mil for the god-awful Ross Johnston.

Or the $6.1mill per for 3 years for Fowler, plus a NTC...thanks Army.

[Army's Mom]

The Blues have 10.2MM in cap space.

McMichael is going to get 6-7MM based on the deal Bourque just signed.

That will only leave 3-4MM in space. Certainly not enough to trade for both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi. Even moving Krug to LTIR won't open enough space.

Something like Pius Suter would have to go back to Carolina.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on all this.

A roster forward AND a roster dman would be included in deal. It’s not that friggin hard people.

There's an entire other thread about this where I went through the financials in detail and several of us looked at it and discussed it.

Far as your comment here. Blues don't have a roster dman to trade

Why not? Suter, Lindstein and a pick is doable. Not advocating per se, more trying to predict what they might be discussing.

Why would you ever do that deal? The Blues would be getting hosed.
If they want to unload that dog of a contract….then they aren’t getting much in return IMO.

What has Lindstein done that makes you feel that he can’t be a top 4 defenseman?

Again, I'm not advocating it, just guessing.

We're not adding Nikishin without giving up something we want to keep. As much as I like Lindstein, Nikishin both has a higher ceiling and is more developed. Adding Nikishin would make Lindstein expendable, and would mean less ice time here for a developing LHD.

If the Blues are adding Nikishin (again, not advocating they should), Lindstein makes the most sense as part of the outgoing package.

Edit to add: I agree that the Blues shouldn't send squat over if they have to take Kotkaniemi. We just offloaded one JK, no way I want to ads another

[Red7]

First of all, they’re not taking money back. That’s why they’re dealing both players in the first place. You could flip JK for a very late round pick OR buy him out as discussed on BK and Ferraro. His cap hit would be $850,000 (or less) for six years. With the cap going up, that wouldn’t be a huge hit. To acquire Nishikin, and extend him, you’re probably looking at a Broberg-type deal. The Blues, after signing Hofer and Snuggerud will probably have between $35-38 million in cap space next year. Lindstein, a 1st, and a prospect I would do.

[noted]

The Blues have 10.2MM in cap space.

McMichael is going to get 6-7MM based on the deal Bourque just signed.

That will only leave 3-4MM in space. Certainly not enough to trade for both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi. Even moving Krug to LTIR won't open enough space.

Something like Pius Suter would have to go back to Carolina.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on all this.

A roster forward AND a roster dman would be included in deal. It’s not that friggin hard people.

There's an entire other thread about this where I went through the financials in detail and several of us looked at it and discussed it.

Far as your comment here. Blues don't have a roster dman to trade

Parayko and Fowler would both be available for Nikishin. You are wrong if you don’t believe so. Both would also probably waive for the Canes

[UMR-alum-05]

The Blues have 10.2MM in cap space.

McMichael is going to get 6-7MM based on the deal Bourque just signed.

That will only leave 3-4MM in space. Certainly not enough to trade for both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi. Even moving Krug to LTIR won't open enough space.

Something like Pius Suter would have to go back to Carolina.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on all this.

A roster forward AND a roster dman would be included in deal. It’s not that friggin hard people.

There's an entire other thread about this where I went through the financials in detail and several of us looked at it and discussed it.

Far as your comment here. Blues don't have a roster dman to trade

Parayko and Fowler would both be available for Nikishin. You are wrong if you don’t believe so. Both would also probably waive for the Canes

Lol. Prove it. Either of your claims.

[BleedingBleu]

The Blues have 10.2MM in cap space.

McMichael is going to get 6-7MM based on the deal Bourque just signed.

That will only leave 3-4MM in space. Certainly not enough to trade for both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi. Even moving Krug to LTIR won't open enough space.

Something like Pius Suter would have to go back to Carolina.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on all this.

A roster forward AND a roster dman would be included in deal. It’s not that friggin hard people.

There's an entire other thread about this where I went through the financials in detail and several of us looked at it and discussed it.

Far as your comment here. Blues don't have a roster dman to trade

Parayko and Fowler would both be available for Nikishin. You are wrong if you don’t believe so. Both would also probably waive for the Canes

6/25/26 Report: Blues tell teams Parayko off the market for trades

Again, I don’t know why the Blues would move their Top RHD for another LHD where there is a HUGE surplus in the organization. I also don’t know why they’d take on another LH Forward with a contract no one wants.

Sure, upgrade the Roster with premium players that align with the ages. A future of Broberg & Nikishin manning the left-side for the next 8 years and Mailloux & Jiricek on the right-side sounds tantalizing. Whoever is left after the acquisition… Fowler, Lindstein, Ralph, Fischer, & Koromyslov… battling for that 3rd & 7th slot would be very nice. However, you’re still left short on the RH front… across the whole organization.

While a 3 RHD isn’t a necessity, because many LHD like a Theo Lindstein could play opposite, the Blues simply don’t have those players ready today to fill in once that void is created. Colton is probably going to need some maintenance. Injuries can happen to anyone anywhere.

Currently, the backups on RHD are Skinner, who is basically riding the red eye as AHL depth, and Jiricek, who is a mid-late season callup. In the hypothetical where they move Parayko, I doubt we want Tucker opposite Jiricek when he’s got his spot in 2027/28. As for Schairer, he is years away.

Hopefully, they’ll assess the future 2nd & 3rd Line LHD from the current crop and get a RHD or RHF in return from the guy who just misses the cut. Lindstein is here today, possibly gone tomorrow if the Blues deal for Nikishin. It’s possible Theo’s need is made less with Koromyslov coming over and being immediate depth in the AHL w/Tucker as their #7?

I just don’t know much about Arseni other than he’s big, Russian, and was drafted in the 4th Round a year before taking Lindstein w/pick #29. For all I know, he is apart of the depth redundancy at AHL w/Ralph, & Fischer…

[noted]

The Blues have 10.2MM in cap space.

McMichael is going to get 6-7MM based on the deal Bourque just signed.

That will only leave 3-4MM in space. Certainly not enough to trade for both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi. Even moving Krug to LTIR won't open enough space.

Something like Pius Suter would have to go back to Carolina.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on all this.

A roster forward AND a roster dman would be included in deal. It’s not that friggin hard people.

There's an entire other thread about this where I went through the financials in detail and several of us looked at it and discussed it.

Far as your comment here. Blues don't have a roster dman to trade

Parayko and Fowler would both be available for Nikishin. You are wrong if you don’t believe so. Both would also probably waive for the Canes

6/25/26 Report: Blues tell teams Parayko off the market for trades

Again, I don’t know why the Blues would move their Top RHD for another LHD where there is a HUGE surplus in the organization. I also don’t know why they’d take on another LH Forward with a contract no one wants.

Sure, upgrade the Roster with premium players that align with the ages. A future of Broberg & Nikishin manning the left-side for the next 8 years and Mailloux & Jiricek on the right-side sounds tantalizing. Whoever is left after the acquisition… Fowler, Lindstein, Ralph, Fischer, & Koromyslov… battling for that 3rd & 7th slot would be very nice. However, you’re still left short on the RH front… across the whole organization.

While a 3 RHD isn’t a necessity, because many LHD like a Theo Lindstein could play opposite, the Blues simply don’t have those players ready today to fill in once that void is created. Colton is probably going to need some maintenance. Injuries can happen to anyone anywhere.

Currently, the backups on RHD are Skinner, who is basically riding the red eye as AHL depth, and Jiricek, who is a mid-late season callup. In the hypothetical where they move Parayko, I doubt we want Tucker opposite Jiricek when he’s got his spot in 2027/28. As for Schairer, he is years away.

Hopefully, they’ll assess the future 2nd & 3rd Line LHD from the current crop and get a RHD or RHF in return from the guy who just misses the cut. Lindstein is here today, possibly gone tomorrow if the Blues deal for Nikishin. It’s possible Theo’s need is made less with Koromyslov coming over and being immediate depth in the AHL w/Tucker as their #7?

I just don’t know much about Arseni other than he’s big, Russian, and was drafted in the 4th Round a year before taking Lindstein w/pick #29. For all I know, he is apart of the depth redundancy at AHL w/Ralph, & Fischer…

Because Armstrong has said repeatedly they are trying to get as many talented guys for 22-26 as they can so they can grow together.

[TruBlueFan_1970]

The Blues have 10.2MM in cap space.

McMichael is going to get 6-7MM based on the deal Bourque just signed.

That will only leave 3-4MM in space. Certainly not enough to trade for both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi. Even moving Krug to LTIR won't open enough space.

Something like Pius Suter would have to go back to Carolina.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on all this.

A roster forward AND a roster dman would be included in deal. It’s not that friggin hard people.

There's an entire other thread about this where I went through the financials in detail and several of us looked at it and discussed it.

Far as your comment here. Blues don't have a roster dman to trade

Parayko and Fowler would both be available for Nikishin. You are wrong if you don’t believe so. Both would also probably waive for the Canes

6/25/26 Report: Blues tell teams Parayko off the market for trades
Currently, the backups on RHD are Skinner, who is basically riding the red eye as AHL depth, and Jiricek, who is a mid-late season callup. In the hypothetical where they move Parayko, I doubt we want Tucker opposite Jiricek when he’s got his spot in 2027/28. As for Schairer, he is years away.

Your point is very valid. Also, our RD depth is pretty much zero at this point. While they were NOT full time NHL talent, both Skinner (NSH) and Kessel (Isles) signed elsewhere. Parayko would leave a gaping hole on the right side if he were moved.

On a side note, I guess those few fantastic (and meaningless) wins at the end of last year that moved us from 7 to 11 cost us either Chase Reid or Keaton Verhoeff. Bummer!

[son_of_foolsgold]

The Blues have 10.2MM in cap space.

McMichael is going to get 6-7MM based on the deal Bourque just signed.

That will only leave 3-4MM in space. Certainly not enough to trade for both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi. Even moving Krug to LTIR won't open enough space.

Something like Pius Suter would have to go back to Carolina.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on all this.

A roster forward AND a roster dman would be included in deal. It’s not that friggin hard people.

There's an entire other thread about this where I went through the financials in detail and several of us looked at it and discussed it.

Far as your comment here. Blues don't have a roster dman to trade

Parayko and Fowler would both be available for Nikishin. You are wrong if you don’t believe so. Both would also probably waive for the Canes

We've been told time and again by the forum fools that Parayko isn't available.

[BleedingBleu]

The Blues have 10.2MM in cap space.

McMichael is going to get 6-7MM based on the deal Bourque just signed.

That will only leave 3-4MM in space. Certainly not enough to trade for both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi. Even moving Krug to LTIR won't open enough space.

Something like Pius Suter would have to go back to Carolina.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on all this.

A roster forward AND a roster dman would be included in deal. It’s not that friggin hard people.

There's an entire other thread about this where I went through the financials in detail and several of us looked at it and discussed it.

Far as your comment here. Blues don't have a roster dman to trade

Parayko and Fowler would both be available for Nikishin. You are wrong if you don’t believe so. Both would also probably waive for the Canes

6/25/26 Report: Blues tell teams Parayko off the market for trades

Again, I don’t know why the Blues would move their Top RHD for another LHD where there is a HUGE surplus in the organization. I also don’t know why they’d take on another LH Forward with a contract no one wants.

Sure, upgrade the Roster with premium players that align with the ages. A future of Broberg & Nikishin manning the left-side for the next 8 years and Mailloux & Jiricek on the right-side sounds tantalizing. Whoever is left after the acquisition… Fowler, Lindstein, Ralph, Fischer, & Koromyslov… battling for that 3rd & 7th slot would be very nice. However, you’re still left short on the RH front… across the whole organization.

While a 3 RHD isn’t a necessity, because many LHD like a Theo Lindstein could play opposite, the Blues simply don’t have those players ready today to fill in once that void is created. Colton is probably going to need some maintenance. Injuries can happen to anyone anywhere.

Currently, the backups on RHD are Skinner, who is basically riding the red eye as AHL depth, and Jiricek, who is a mid-late season callup. In the hypothetical where they move Parayko, I doubt we want Tucker opposite Jiricek when he’s got his spot in 2027/28. As for Schairer, he is years away.

Hopefully, they’ll assess the future 2nd & 3rd Line LHD from the current crop and get a RHD or RHF in return from the guy who just misses the cut. Lindstein is here today, possibly gone tomorrow if the Blues deal for Nikishin. It’s possible Theo’s need is made less with Koromyslov coming over and being immediate depth in the AHL w/Tucker as their #7?

I just don’t know much about Arseni other than he’s big, Russian, and was drafted in the 4th Round a year before taking Lindstein w/pick #29. For all I know, he is apart of the depth redundancy at AHL w/Ralph, & Fischer…

Because Armstrong has said repeatedly they are trying to get as many talented guys for 22-26 as they can so they can grow together.

I get that. Again, how many of those need to be LHF, or LHD? They will all be looking for substantial raises all around the same time.

Not everyone on the roster can be paid $8M for 8 years. You will still need young, cheap players filling out the roster. We have an abundance of young, cheap LHD. They’ll need to spread that wealth around to other positions like RHD, RW.

Acquiring another LHD and making them your top paid player, then having your LHD represent the #1, #2, & #4 pay-slots allocated for defense long term is not a great idea.

Trading Parayko is a non-starter. It’s been shared & confirmed several times. I doubt they move Fowler in this type of deal, since they’ve started acquiring Ducks and have a hefty upfront and longterm commitment with McTavish. Chemistry is very much a thing in this sport and they’ll rely on Fowler’s veteran presence and prior relationship with these Ducks to help Mason adjust, quickly.

While I do think Nikishin makes the team better, they’ll be paying him or Broberg top dollar to be 2nd on the Depth chart. The young LHD would be better spent on positions of need, not reinforcing somewhere that already has a logjam.

[BleedingBleu]

The Blues have 10.2MM in cap space.

McMichael is going to get 6-7MM based on the deal Bourque just signed.

That will only leave 3-4MM in space. Certainly not enough to trade for both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi. Even moving Krug to LTIR won't open enough space.

Something like Pius Suter would have to go back to Carolina.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on all this.

A roster forward AND a roster dman would be included in deal. It’s not that friggin hard people.

There's an entire other thread about this where I went through the financials in detail and several of us looked at it and discussed it.

Far as your comment here. Blues don't have a roster dman to trade

Parayko and Fowler would both be available for Nikishin. You are wrong if you don’t believe so. Both would also probably waive for the Canes

6/25/26 Report: Blues tell teams Parayko off the market for trades
Currently, the backups on RHD are Skinner, who is basically riding the red eye as AHL depth, and Jiricek, who is a mid-late season callup. In the hypothetical where they move Parayko, I doubt we want Tucker opposite Jiricek when he’s got his spot in 2027/28. As for Schairer, he is years away.

Your point is very valid. Also, our RD depth is pretty much zero at this point. While they were NOT full time NHL talent, both Skinner (NSH) and Kessel (Isles) signed elsewhere. Parayko would leave a gaping hole on the right side if he were moved.

On a side note, I guess those few fantastic (and meaningless) wins at the end of last year that moved us from 7 to 11 cost us either Chase Reid or Keaton Verhoeff. Bummer!

(bleep), I misread that in real time on July 1st. I saw the signing and the Blues logo next to his name and must have assumed he signed back with us.

Thanks for the correction.

[UMR-alum-05]

They're not trading Parayko. They don't want to trade him and he doesn't want to be traded and can block any trade.

Carolina doesn't want Fowler. Why would they.

If the Blues want Nikishin that bad they should move Lindstein and a draft pick or Stenberg and a draft pick. Whichever Carolina wants.

I see no reason to buyout Kotkaniemi. He would be the best option to play 4C on the roster. Taking back Kotkaniemi however would mean a lesser draft pick to Carolina. Or even no draft pick.

[noted]

The Blues have 10.2MM in cap space.

McMichael is going to get 6-7MM based on the deal Bourque just signed.

That will only leave 3-4MM in space. Certainly not enough to trade for both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi. Even moving Krug to LTIR won't open enough space.

Something like Pius Suter would have to go back to Carolina.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on all this.

A roster forward AND a roster dman would be included in deal. It’s not that friggin hard people.

There's an entire other thread about this where I went through the financials in detail and several of us looked at it and discussed it.

Far as your comment here. Blues don't have a roster dman to trade

Parayko and Fowler would both be available for Nikishin. You are wrong if you don’t believe so. Both would also probably waive for the Canes

6/25/26 Report: Blues tell teams Parayko off the market for trades

Again, I don’t know why the Blues would move their Top RHD for another LHD where there is a HUGE surplus in the organization. I also don’t know why they’d take on another LH Forward with a contract no one wants.

Sure, upgrade the Roster with premium players that align with the ages. A future of Broberg & Nikishin manning the left-side for the next 8 years and Mailloux & Jiricek on the right-side sounds tantalizing. Whoever is left after the acquisition… Fowler, Lindstein, Ralph, Fischer, & Koromyslov… battling for that 3rd & 7th slot would be very nice. However, you’re still left short on the RH front… across the whole organization.

While a 3 RHD isn’t a necessity, because many LHD like a Theo Lindstein could play opposite, the Blues simply don’t have those players ready today to fill in once that void is created. Colton is probably going to need some maintenance. Injuries can happen to anyone anywhere.

Currently, the backups on RHD are Skinner, who is basically riding the red eye as AHL depth, and Jiricek, who is a mid-late season callup. In the hypothetical where they move Parayko, I doubt we want Tucker opposite Jiricek when he’s got his spot in 2027/28. As for Schairer, he is years away.

Hopefully, they’ll assess the future 2nd & 3rd Line LHD from the current crop and get a RHD or RHF in return from the guy who just misses the cut. Lindstein is here today, possibly gone tomorrow if the Blues deal for Nikishin. It’s possible Theo’s need is made less with Koromyslov coming over and being immediate depth in the AHL w/Tucker as their #7?

I just don’t know much about Arseni other than he’s big, Russian, and was drafted in the 4th Round a year before taking Lindstein w/pick #29. For all I know, he is apart of the depth redundancy at AHL w/Ralph, & Fischer…

Because Armstrong has said repeatedly they are trying to get as many talented guys for 22-26 as they can so they can grow together.

I get that. Again, how many of those need to be LHF, or LHD? They will all be looking for substantial raises all around the same time.

Not everyone on the roster can be paid $8M for 8 years. You will still need young, cheap players filling out the roster. We have an abundance of young, cheap LHD. They’ll need to spread that wealth around to other positions like RHD, RW.

Acquiring another LHD and making them your top paid player, then having your LHD represent the #1, #2, & #4 pay-slots allocated for defense long term is not a great idea.

Trading Parayko is a non-starter. It’s been shared & confirmed several times. I doubt they move Fowler in this type of deal, since they’ve started acquiring Ducks and have a hefty upfront and longterm commitment with McTavish. Chemistry is very much a thing in this sport and they’ll rely on Fowler’s veteran presence and prior relationship with these Ducks to help Mason adjust, quickly.

While I do think Nikishin makes the team better, they’ll be paying him or Broberg top dollar to be 2nd on the Depth chart. The young LHD would be better spent on positions of need, not reinforcing somewhere that already has a logjam.

The Carolina Hurricanes just won the Stanley Cup with Nikishin playing the right side. Left handed dmen can plan on the right side.

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/caro ... mbinations

[BleedingBleu]

6/25/26 Report: Blues tell teams Parayko off the market for trades

Again, I don’t know why the Blues would move their Top RHD for another LHD where there is a HUGE surplus in the organization. I also don’t know why they’d take on another LH Forward with a contract no one wants.

Sure, upgrade the Roster with premium players that align with the ages. A future of Broberg & Nikishin manning the left-side for the next 8 years and Mailloux & Jiricek on the right-side sounds tantalizing. Whoever is left after the acquisition… Fowler, Lindstein, Ralph, Fischer, & Koromyslov… battling for that 3rd & 7th slot would be very nice. However, you’re still left short on the RH front… across the whole organization.

While a 3 RHD isn’t a necessity, because many LHD like a Theo Lindstein could play opposite, the Blues simply don’t have those players ready today to fill in once that void is created. Colton is probably going to need some maintenance. Injuries can happen to anyone anywhere.

Currently, the backups on RHD are Skinner, who is basically riding the red eye as AHL depth, and Jiricek, who is a mid-late season callup. In the hypothetical where they move Parayko, I doubt we want Tucker opposite Jiricek when he’s got his spot in 2027/28. As for Schairer, he is years away.

Hopefully, they’ll assess the future 2nd & 3rd Line LHD from the current crop and get a RHD or RHF in return from the guy who just misses the cut. Lindstein is here today, possibly gone tomorrow if the Blues deal for Nikishin. It’s possible Theo’s need is made less with Koromyslov coming over and being immediate depth in the AHL w/Tucker as their #7?

I just don’t know much about Arseni other than he’s big, Russian, and was drafted in the 4th Round a year before taking Lindstein w/pick #29. For all I know, he is apart of the depth redundancy at AHL w/Ralph, & Fischer…

Because Armstrong has said repeatedly they are trying to get as many talented guys for 22-26 as they can so they can grow together.

I get that. Again, how many of those need to be LHF, or LHD? They will all be looking for substantial raises all around the same time.

Not everyone on the roster can be paid $8M for 8 years. You will still need young, cheap players filling out the roster. We have an abundance of young, cheap LHD. They’ll need to spread that wealth around to other positions like RHD, RW.

Acquiring another LHD and making them your top paid player, then having your LHD represent the #1, #2, & #4 pay-slots allocated for defense long term is not a great idea.

Trading Parayko is a non-starter. It’s been shared & confirmed several times. I doubt they move Fowler in this type of deal, since they’ve started acquiring Ducks and have a hefty upfront and longterm commitment with McTavish. Chemistry is very much a thing in this sport and they’ll rely on Fowler’s veteran presence and prior relationship with these Ducks to help Mason adjust, quickly.

While I do think Nikishin makes the team better, they’ll be paying him or Broberg top dollar to be 2nd on the Depth chart. The young LHD would be better spent on positions of need, not reinforcing somewhere that already has a logjam.

The Carolina Hurricanes just won the Stanley Cup with Nikishin playing the right side. Left handed dmen can plan on the right side.

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/caro ... mbinations

Yes, not saying he can’t. Did you see his ATOI for the playoffs?

14:50, good for 4th lowest on the team w/more than 2 Games played. For total time on ice, he was again 4th lowest among Hurricane’s players playing more than 2 Games. He barely beat Goaltender Bussi for total minutes, and he appeared in 4 Games.

Let’s not act like he was Top 4 Dman in the playoffs playing on his opposite side for the Cup Winner…

[Francis Park Thug]

6/25/26 Report: Blues tell teams Parayko off the market for trades

Again, I don’t know why the Blues would move their Top RHD for another LHD where there is a HUGE surplus in the organization. I also don’t know why they’d take on another LH Forward with a contract no one wants.

Sure, upgrade the Roster with premium players that align with the ages. A future of Broberg & Nikishin manning the left-side for the next 8 years and Mailloux & Jiricek on the right-side sounds tantalizing. Whoever is left after the acquisition… Fowler, Lindstein, Ralph, Fischer, & Koromyslov… battling for that 3rd & 7th slot would be very nice. However, you’re still left short on the RH front… across the whole organization.

While a 3 RHD isn’t a necessity, because many LHD like a Theo Lindstein could play opposite, the Blues simply don’t have those players ready today to fill in once that void is created. Colton is probably going to need some maintenance. Injuries can happen to anyone anywhere.

Currently, the backups on RHD are Skinner, who is basically riding the red eye as AHL depth, and Jiricek, who is a mid-late season callup. In the hypothetical where they move Parayko, I doubt we want Tucker opposite Jiricek when he’s got his spot in 2027/28. As for Schairer, he is years away.

Hopefully, they’ll assess the future 2nd & 3rd Line LHD from the current crop and get a RHD or RHF in return from the guy who just misses the cut. Lindstein is here today, possibly gone tomorrow if the Blues deal for Nikishin. It’s possible Theo’s need is made less with Koromyslov coming over and being immediate depth in the AHL w/Tucker as their #7?

I just don’t know much about Arseni other than he’s big, Russian, and was drafted in the 4th Round a year before taking Lindstein w/pick #29. For all I know, he is apart of the depth redundancy at AHL w/Ralph, & Fischer…

Because Armstrong has said repeatedly they are trying to get as many talented guys for 22-26 as they can so they can grow together.

I get that. Again, how many of those need to be LHF, or LHD? They will all be looking for substantial raises all around the same time.

Not everyone on the roster can be paid $8M for 8 years. You will still need young, cheap players filling out the roster. We have an abundance of young, cheap LHD. They’ll need to spread that wealth around to other positions like RHD, RW.

Acquiring another LHD and making them your top paid player, then having your LHD represent the #1, #2, & #4 pay-slots allocated for defense long term is not a great idea.

Trading Parayko is a non-starter. It’s been shared & confirmed several times. I doubt they move Fowler in this type of deal, since they’ve started acquiring Ducks and have a hefty upfront and longterm commitment with McTavish. Chemistry is very much a thing in this sport and they’ll rely on Fowler’s veteran presence and prior relationship with these Ducks to help Mason adjust, quickly.

While I do think Nikishin makes the team better, they’ll be paying him or Broberg top dollar to be 2nd on the Depth chart. The young LHD would be better spent on positions of need, not reinforcing somewhere that already has a logjam.

The Carolina Hurricanes just won the Stanley Cup with Nikishin playing the right side. Left handed dmen can plan on the right side.

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/caro ... mbinations

Yes, not saying he can’t. Did you see his ATOI for the playoffs?

14:50, good for 4th lowest on the team w/more than 2 Games played. For total time on ice, he was again 4th lowest among Hurricane’s players playing more than 2 Games. He barely beat Goaltender Bussi for total minutes, and he appeared in 4 Games.

Let’s not act like he was Top 4 Dman in the playoffs playing on his opposite side for the Cup Winner…

Thanks for this post.
Some posters have their head in the sand.

[UMR-alum-05]

Blues don't need Nikishin to play his off side. Kind of a moot point.

He would be 2LD on the Blues or even 3LD to start.

His acquisition makes Lindstein expendable. Might as well move Lindstein in the package to get Nikishin.