3 Trade Destinations For Nikishin If He Demands Trade From Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin is not happy with his Carolina Hurricanes situation at the moment as he is still unable to play. Either the Hurricanes get things figured out quickly or one of two things happen. He will demand a trade or head back to the KHL where he dominated. If it comes to him asking for a trade, these are a few of the teams who should push the hardest to acquire him with how their defensive situation looks.

Los Angeles Kings

The LA Kings may look good right now, but what about in a few years? Drew Doughty has two years left on his deal, Vladislav Gavrikov hasn't re-signed, and Brandt Clarke was used sparingly this season, especially when Doughty came back from injury. Other than Clarke, there doesn't appear to be anyone even close to what Doughty is or has been for the Kings. Another option who is as talented as Nikishin is would be ideal. Recent years have seen Sean Durzi and Brock Faber be moved, so the Kings need a score on defense.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers have their future star in Matvei Michkov up front, but they are still looking for that player on the back-end. Maybe Oliver Bonk gets to the level the team is hoping for, but I don't think any of Jamie Drysdale, Cam York, or Emil Andrae become stars. Adding Nikishin, who projects to be a star and fit into any top-4 right now, would be the best thing for the Flyers to bring them out of the rebuild sooner than later while Nikishin is only 22 years old.

Nashville Predators

We have to assume Barry Trotz is going to do whatever he can from the GM's perspective to fix what happened to the Nashville Predators this season after he made a number of big moves. The team has to still be thinking win-now with the top-end talent they have or it has to go the other way into a fire sale. A big move would be to land an extremely talented defenseman to eventually take over Roman Josi's role as the top d-man on the team. Tanner Molendyk is there, but he and Nikishin are different players and it would be a great duo heading into the future, even enough to help turn things around immediately. The Predators have the draft capital to afford him.