Nearly a month into the regular season, the Carolina Hurricanes and restricted free-agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin still haven’t reached a resolution. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the two sides remain at the status quo.
LeBrun mentioned that the Hurricanes have a one-year offer on the table for Nikishin, effectively kicking the can down the road. Still, Nikishin has refused to sign it so far and is still seeking a trade.
Even though he isn’t playing, Nikishin is also staying pick. LeBrun said that Carolina nearly traded Nikishin last year, but he refused to sign an extension with the would-be team.
Regardless, the pressure on the Hurricanes is decreasing by the day. The defending Stanley Cup champions have gotten off to an inspiring start, securing 18 points in their first 12 games.
Since Nikishin is a 10.2(c) RFA, Carolina isn’t required to sign him to a new contract by December 1st. Theoretically, they could wait until the trade deadline if they wanted Nikishin to be eligible for the postseason.
Additional snapshots:
The New York Rangers no longer needed Justin Dowling on the roster after signing veteran Luke Glendening yesterday. According to a team announcement, the Rangers have assigned Dowling to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.
The 36-year-old center registered one assist in four games for New York throughout his call-up.
According to Lia Assimakopoulos of the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Stars are still evaluating bottom-six forward Radek Faksa. Although he never left the Stars’ recent win against the Winnipeg Jets, he is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.
Assimakopoulos mentioned that Dallas should have a clearer outlook for him tomorrow.