Alexander Nikishin is still a Carolina Hurricane. That didn't feel like a possible outcome for most of the summer, but the longer the standoff between Nikishin's camp and the front office went on, the muddier the water became. Without any trade traction as the new season began, Nikishin finally conceded, returning on a one-year, $3 million extension.
This outcome is about as decisive a victory for the Hurricanes as you'll get. Nikishin was asking for somewhere in the ballpark of $9-$9.5 million. The team was only willing to give him around $6 million on a deal with more term. Nikishin's representation felt he needed a change of scenery, but none of the options presented suited him. It seriously wasn't for a lack of trying.
Nikishin was used in offers for Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, but he was unwilling to sign a deal in Winnipeg, ruining the trade. It was also reported that the Canes and the Rangers had an agreement on a deal for two first-round picks, only for it to be shut down because the Rangers couldn't get a contract ironed out. Other teams expressed interest. Nothing came to fruition.
Instead, Nikishin is back on the roster, finally joining the team on the ice before Tuesday's contest against Boston. After finding great success in Russia, Nikishin had a good rookie campaign, finishing seventh for the Calder Trophy and earning the second defenseman spot on the All-Rookie team. However, he was much quieter in the postseason. Nevertheless, he's a Stanley Cup champion.
A big reason for Nikishin asking for a change of scenery was his role on last year's team. Nikishin spent most of the season with Shayne Gostisbehere on the Canes' third pair, playing on his off-side. Nikishin also got some time on the power play, though it wasn't always consistent. He wants to be the guy wherever he's playing, so what makes the most sense for him and the team now that he's back?
Is there a solution that makes the Canes better AND Nikishin happy?
While he worked as an extra during Tuesday's morning skate, that won't be his role for very long. If Nikishin is on the roster, he needs to be in the lineup. He's more valuable there than in the press box, even with how well Juuso Valimaki and Mike Reilly have played. It would be very easy for Rod Brind'Amour to stick him back on the third pair, but what good would that do?
That might work for the first few games as he gets back into the flow of things, but I don't see that as a feasible option for a player whose major gripe is his deployment in this system. Why not give him the opportunity he so craves and see how it goes? Move him up the lineup for a test run. I don't see why that would be so hard for a handful of games. Make him prove that he deserves it.
While part of it is about proving himself, I'm also genuinely curious what Nikishin on the top pair would look like. While Nikishin can play on the right side, I'd like to see him on his natural side next to Jaccob Slavin, who would shift to the right. If Nikishin wants to show that he can play big minutes, there's no better defenseman to play with than the team's top shutdown defenseman.
I understand the logic of having Slavin and Jalen Chatfield together, but neither defender is known as a play driver. This season, they've combined for one goal and five assists, though it's also not their job to score a lot. However, putting Nikishin with Slavin adds a little more power in the offensive zone. Plus, Chatfield on the third pair gives a better defensive option for Gostisbehere.
Of course, on the penalty kill and during crunch time, Slavin and Chatfield would be back on the ice together. Nikishin can kill penalties when the moment calls for him to, but he's probably the fifth-best option on the roster. Pairing him with Slavin gives him the offensive freedom he desires while adding a reliable defensive buffer to help erase his potential mistakes.
As for the power play, I still think Gostisbehere maintains control of the top unit, and it might be worth trying a two-defenseman look with the second group. I assume that Jarvis will return to the top unit at some point, presumably sending Jackson Blake down in his place. If K'Andre Miller stays out there, Nikishin's shot could be valuable on the right flank. After all, they don't call him "Boom" for nothing.
The simple truth is that the Hurricanes have an embarrassment of riches on the back end. They've used eight defensemen this season, with Nikishin eventually becoming the ninth. They didn't need to re-sign him to restore anything. All they've done is add to it. It'll take some time to get him back to game speed. Then, we'll see what the grand plan for Nikishin is.
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