Alexander Nikishin’s contract situation could be a deterrent for some
TSN: Darren Dreger said that 24-year-old defenseman Alexander Nikishin didn’t really like his role on the Carolina Hurricanes’ blue line, but being a Hurricanes draft pick, he wanted to give them a year after making the jump from the KHL.
“So that’s essentially why Carolina is listening to the interest.
And as you mentioned, Gino, he is a restricted free agent. And the expectation is that there will be hefty contract demands here. Now, there’s lots of interest around the NHL, but that contract and how large it might be is also a bit of a deterrent at this stage.”
NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Canadiens, and the Blue Jackets
On the Maple Leafs and Morgan Rielly
TSN: Craig Button on with Jay Onrait on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Morgan Rielly
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Onrait: “The Leafs.. it’s interesting you bring up the Leafs, because the Leafs fans were beside themselves when they heard John Chayka say that he does not expect to trade Morgan Rielly. Is that, we just saw Jesse Marsh call Alfonso Davies a decoy? Is that, is that John Chayka, is that a decoy situation? Is he, is he messing with us there?
Button: “I think Darren Draeger put out information the other day that JP Barry, they had given a list of four teams in the West that they would consider. It could be adjusted as time went on. Well, it feels now that, like, it’s being adjusted the other way.
Two things on the Blues
Jeremy Rutherford: Two things on the St. Louis Blues
“1) The Blues are as active as they advertised, if not more.
2) The main takeaway from interest in Robertson isn’t the trade package, it’s the price tag they’d evidently be willing to pay.”
The Latest on the Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck
Decision time is nearing for some Edmonton Oilers UFAs
Jim Matheson: The Edmonton Oilers continue negotiations with UFA goaltender Connor Ingram. July 1st is getting closer.
UFA forwards Jack Roslovic, Kasperi Kapanen, and Adam Henrique are going to free agency. Goaltender Calvin Pickard is as well. Curtis Lazar and Max Jones could be possible fourth-line returns.
In the AHL, UFAs James Hamblin, Samuel Poulin and Cam Dineen may all leave.
