What Happened
Speaking on Thursday's edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said the Carolina Hurricanes have an offer on the table for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck that no longer includes defenceman Alexander Nikishin. Friedman said multiple people told him Wednesday that keeping Nikishin in the package was pointless, adding that the deal likely would already be completed if the 25-year-old were headed to Winnipeg. Hellebuyck, a Vezina and Hart Trophy winner, has requested a trade.
Key Details
- Friedman reported the revised Carolina offer on 32 Thoughts with Kyle Bukauskas.
- Friedman said he was told Wednesday that including Nikishin in talks was a waste of time.
- Nikishin, 25, remains an unsigned restricted free agent after his entry-level deal expired.
- He posted 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games in 2025-26.
- He recorded one assist in 17 playoff games during Carolina's Stanley Cup run.
- Nikishin skipped Carolina's September camp after requesting a trade in the summer.
What It Means
Carolina's pursuit of Hellebuyck appears to hinge on building a package without its most prominent young defenceman. Nikishin's unsigned status and summer trade request complicate his value in any deal, while Winnipeg is weighing offers for a goalie who has asked out. Removing Nikishin from the proposal suggests the Hurricanes are trying a different route to land a top-tier starter.
What's Next
No trade has been completed. It is not known what pieces Carolina's revised offer contains or whether Winnipeg considers it sufficient. Nikishin remains unsigned and away from the team while his trade request stands.