Does Zubov mean Nikishin is coming?

[Galatians221jb1]

https://x.com/stevenbibas/status/208079 ... 32585?s=46

Interesting speculation

[STL fan in MN]

We hired Zubov to be an advisor to the Hockey Ops Dept. I can’t imagine the person in that sort of role would have a ton of contact with the players day to day. Heck, he might not even be leaving Russia.

It’d only make sense if for some reason hiring Zubov would move the needle on Nikishin being willing to sign an extension here. And again, would should Zubov being an advisor really move the needle if that is indeed the only thing holding up a deal? It’s not like it would actually impact the asset cost CAR would be asking for or that the Blues would be willing to give up.

My guess is the Blues kicked the tires on Nikishin weeks ago and decided it was a no go. Either they determined he wasn’t worth what CAR wanted, wasn’t worth what Nikishin wanted to sign or a combo of both. But he’s still unsigned and it’s summer (so dead news) so people will continue to speculate at will.

[TruBlueFan_1970]

We hired Zubov to be an advisor to the Hockey Ops Dept. I can’t imagine the person in that sort of role would have a ton of contact with the players day to day. Heck, he might not even be leaving Russia.

It’d only make sense if for some reason hiring Zubov would move the needle on Nikishin being willing to sign an extension here. And again, would should Zubov being an advisor really move the needle if that is indeed the only thing holding up a deal? It’s not like it would actually impact the asset cost CAR would be asking for or that the Blues would be willing to give up.

My guess is the Blues kicked the tires on Nikishin weeks ago and decided it was a no go. Either they determined he wasn’t worth what CAR wanted, wasn’t worth what Nikishin wanted to sign or a combo of both. But he’s still unsigned and it’s summer (so dead news) so people will continue to speculate at will.

Good take. I’m guessing the Blues would love to have him, but the asking price is probably too steep from a player/picks perspective. Hoping Zubov can help keep the brass up to speed on the 3-4 key Russian prospects we have in the system.

[xweazel75]

Yes

-x

[UMR-alum-05]

How does having Zubov in an advisory role in any way move a needle for Nikishin.

It's not like Zubov is going to be at practice or in the locker room or even in St Louis.

Nobody likes to speculate and analyze more than me. And maybe the Blues still pull off a trade for Nikishin. I just can't see Zubov being hired as an advisor having much to do with it.

I'm interested in a Nikishin move. Not sure about taking back Kotkaniemi. I don't hate Kotkaniemi as a player but I'm not sure the Blues need him around here at the 4x5 left on his deal. I'd rather just play Finley or keep a spot open for Korotky or other players

[Ventomiglia]

I want the blues to add Nikishin. This is a step as he had a great season under him coaching. The question is what do we have that Carolina needs? Goaltending. Not sold on Bussi for a month.

[STL fan in MN]

I want the blues to add Nikishin. This is a step as he had a great season under him coaching. The question is what do we have that Carolina needs? Goaltending. Not sold on Bussi for a month.

Carolina keeps trying to get Hellebuyck. They’re aiming much higher than Binny. They’re also the most analytical based front office in the game. They’re not going to be interested in Binny.

[son_of_foolsgold]

Wish it did, but no....

[bluetunehead]

I don't think the two are related. The Blues likely just wanted a Russian on the hockey ops team. It's not like Nikishin is a UFA and we're trying to court him.

[Harry S Deals]

Rumor/banter seems to indicate Jake Neighbours and either Stenberg/Lindstein???? Im a hard pass on this, could be a costly move.

Id maybe build something around Lindstein + but im very leery of this dont see the need. Losing Neighbours would really ding the Top 6 and the plan moving forward

[skilles]

I don't think I'm trading JN

Its a fair ask IMO but just not a player I'd want to trade.

[TruBlueFan_1970]

Rumor/banter seems to indicate Jake Neighbours and either Stenberg/Lindstein???? Im a hard pass on this, could be a costly move.

Id maybe build something around Lindstein + but im very leery of this dont see the need. Losing Neighbours would really ding the Top 6 and the plan moving forward

Not sure that Jake would ding the top 6, but he’s definitely a solid top 9 winger who has shown 20-25 goal potential. That’s important depth for a 3rd line on winning teams.

I would love to have Nikishin, but I’m just not sure about the price. Having Broberg, Nikishin and Fowler (for now) would be a pretty strong LD, with Ralph, Fischer, Burns, Koromslov, etc… hopefully there to fill later if Lindstein traded. I’d look rather to Lindstein, Buch and maybe another prospect or a pick. If they balk, we walk. My two cents.

[noted]

Rumor/banter seems to indicate Jake Neighbours and either Stenberg/Lindstein???? Im a hard pass on this, could be a costly move.

Id maybe build something around Lindstein + but im very leery of this dont see the need. Losing Neighbours would really ding the Top 6 and the plan moving forward

Not sure that Jake would ding the top 6, but he’s definitely a solid top 9 winger who has shown 20-25 goal potential. That’s important depth for a 3rd line on winning teams.

I would love to have Nikishin, but I’m just not sure about the price. Having Broberg, Nikishin and Fowler (for now) would be a pretty strong LD, with Ralph, Fischer, Burns, Koromslov, etc… hopefully there to fill later if Lindstein traded. I’d look rather to Lindstein, Buch and maybe another prospect or a pick. If they balk, we walk. My two cents.

The Canes would not want Buch - my two cents

[zamadoo]

I don't know enough about the player but would trust he's the real deal if Steen is taking a hard look.

My question is how much better than Lindstein is he? A whole Jake Neighbours better?

So he needs to be elite in some categories, and basically needs to be a top-3 defender in this team. It seems like he was an offensive guy in Russia, so maybe he's looked at to solve the PP?

All this considering he's an unsigned RFA, and the Cup champs are moving him due to high cost and low need.

I don't mind uncluttering the lineup and moving quantity for quality, but I don't know if that's what this is.

[Younghopp1991]

Im all for holding onto our depth for now unless its for a C, RW or RD. Just my 2cents

[Army's Mom]

I don't think I'm trading JN

Its a fair ask IMO but just not a player I'd want to trade.

Agree with you both. We are at the point where we need to be trading multiple pieces for fewer, better pieces (there isn't room for everyone on an NHL trajectory), but Neighbours hasn't been squeezed out yet and likely has the capacity to grow into a very useful piece (a top 6 winger who combines physical play, leadership, and has 25 goal upside). It makes us weaker up front this year, and I'm not sure the pieces coming up will adequately replace him in short order.

Would much rather build a package around Lindstein (who would be directly replaced by Nikishin) and two of Ralph, Fischer, Kaskimaki, Jecho, Pecarik, and a pick.