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Opportunity arises for Vancouver Canucks as top prospect's agent sounds off
Photo credit: Ilya Smirnov
One of the league's very best prospects - expected to have made his NHL debut by now - may be looking for a new home just weeks after his arrival in North America.
As the Vancouver Canucks try to contend with their own issues signing a top defence prospect, an agent for yet another top prospect is sounding off, potentially posturing for a trade.
Alexander Nikishin and Carolina Hurricanes at an impasse
When news broke of Alexander Nikishin being on his way from St. Petersburg SKA to join the Carolina Hurricanes, Canes fans expected the 23 year old would be stepping in and making a difference in no time.
Instead, so far, Hurricanes fans haven't even seen their top prospect suit up, and now the player's agent says his client is unhappy.
Alexander Chernyk, Nikishin's agent in Russia, said the Hurricanes are "defying common sense" and their top prospect might be back in Russia in no time if they keep this up.
The Carolina team is behaving inexplicably, not just for us but also for scouts and representatives from other NHL clubs... If this continues, Alexander will either go back or we will ask for a trade - Alexander Chernyk
The Hurricanes could take a commanding 3-0 series lead on the Devils on Friday night, so while they may be in no rush to make lineup changes, risking the relationship with a prospect of this quality could be catastrophic.
Trade opportunity for the Vancouver Canucks?
With Nikishin's agent publicly stating seeking a trade is on the table, the Canucks should absolutely be interested in looking to bring the young Russian in.
He is regarded as one of the single best players outside of the NHL, and could be a difference maker in the NHL immediately.
With the Canucks having some issues with their own top D prospect, a swap of assets could be on the table.
Not to mention, with the Hurricanes showing interest in Elias Pettersson in the past, perhaps the time could be right to revisit a trade...
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 25 | 446 ANSWERS Opportunity arises for Vancouver Canucks as top prospect's agent sounds off Where will Alexander Nikishin play in 2025-26? | ||
| Carolina | 76 | 17 % |
| Elsewhere in the NHL (trade) | 250 | 56.1 % |
| Back in the KHL | 120 | 26.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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