In this hypothetical trade scenario between the Kings and Hurricanes, Carolina only sends Nikishin to Los Angeles in a player for a player, draft pick, and prospect return. The Kings give up Czech winger prospect Vojtech Cihar, Edmundson, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and a 2028 second-round draft pick.
One of the real unknowns in the Kings' minor league and developmental system this offseason could be the value that Cihar brings on the trade block. He's a young and talented European forward with a ton of offensive upside, but he has yet to play with the Kings in the NHL or the AHL in this past year or so.
Since the Kings wouldn't have to absorb Kotkaniemi's contract in this hypothetical trade scenario, the salary-cap side and roster numbers in this trade become much simpler.
This is still a lot to give up, especially with the future upside Cihar could bring to the Kings. If the Kings truly want and believe that Nikishin could be a long-term top-pair defenseman with Clarke on the blue line, then parting ways with Cihar and future draft assets could really prove to be a smart investment.
All of these trade proposals are purely hypothetical and are based on the reported interest from Friedman that connects the Kings to Nikishin this offseason.
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