Alexander Nikishin trade talks provide John Chayka with his first blockbuster opportunity as GM

Alexander Nikishin's trade request could open up the door for John Chayka to make his first blockbuster trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Pierre LeBrun broke the news on Monday afternoon that Carolina Hurricanes RFA Alexander Nikishin had requested a trade that dates back to the end of last season, and confirms that request still remains as we head into the last couple weeks of the NHL offseason:

Defenseman Alexander Nikishin remains unsigned by the Carolina Hurricanes as camps get set to open.

The 24-year-old RFA requested a change of scenery after the season, and one thing that was made clear to me Monday is that the request remains in place.

If that's the case, then the 24-year-old defender will have no shortage of suitors to choose from. Winning a Stanley Cup last season, Nikishin had 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 81 games for the Hurricanes, but only managed one assist in 17 postseason games. Drafted 69th overall in 2020, Nikishin finally made his NHL debut last season.

Toronto Maple Leafs need to push hard for Alexander Nikishin

As we mentioned above, Nikishin is not going to have a shortage of interested parties and the Toronto Maple Leafs should be at the front of the line. While they have a good enough defensive group, the chance to add a 24-year-old offensive defenceman with potentially years of control - it's hard to pass up.

Nikishin is young enough to still grow despite having already proven he can be reliable at the NHL level, but he also provides the next step in Toronto's blueline. With an aging group, Nikishin provides not only the mobility and puck-movement that the Maple Leafs aimed to improve this summer - but he also makes them much younger.

Plus, when the next line of Maple Leafs defenders like Ethan MacKenzie, Victor Johansson, and Noah Chadwick are ready to make the jump - Nikishin is firmly in his prime and can be a veteran leader alongside Darren Raddysh.

What would it cost the Maple Leafs to acquire Alexander Nikishin?

Now here comes the real question. What does it cost to bring in Nikishin? Well, first of all it's going to take at least one prospect or young player to get the needle moving.

To Carolina:

(D) Ben Danford
(RW) Borya Valis
(F) Dakota Joshua
2028 4th-round pick

To Toronto:

(D) Alexander Nikishin

Ben Danford could certainly interest the Hurricanes as a no-nonsense, shutdown defender with potential. He's not as offensively gifted as Nikishin but is still finding his footing as a pro.

Valis is a fringe prospect who could benefit from Carolina's impressive AHL system and might not have a spot given Toronto's other prospects. Joshua is a player who is in a crammed bottom-six, but also costs $3.25M and with the potential to add both Nikishin and Nick Blankenburg - they need all the help possible.

Is it too much of a gamble for Toronto to acquire a 24-year-old defender who has only one season under his belt? Yes, as nothing is guaranteed. However, with how aggressive John Chayka has played his hand this summer, it wouldn't be shocking to see him push all-in yet again.

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