In this past couple of weeks, multiple teams around the league have jumped into the trade market to upgrade their rosters, and it looks like the Los Angeles Kings could soon join that group this summer.
The Kings and general manager Ken Holland haven't jumped in the trade market yet this offseason, but they did have a busy draft weekend and made headlines by re-signing young defenseman Brandt Clarke to a long-term contract extension deal.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Kings are believed to have some level of interest in at least kicking the tires on the possibility of a Nikishin trade with the Hurricanes this offseason.
The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring defenseman Alexander Nikishin
In the hypothetical world where the Kings make a deal with the Hurricanes for Nikishin, that would be a very potent young defensive combo on the blue line for Los Angeles between him and Clarke.
A deal between the Kings and Hurricanes involving Nikishin won't be cheap or simple to get done for Los Angeles. Since Nikishin still has a lot of upside and is just 24 years old, the Hurricanes will probably seek an immediate impact player or a sizable asset in return on the trade block.
It makes sense that the Kings would have interest in at least considering the possibility of a Nikishin trade with the Hurricanes this offseason. The Kings not only want to find a left-handed shot on the blue line to add to the defensive core this upcoming season, but it now sounds like that trade idea could be going beyond just speculation in the media.
Nikishin is considered to be one of the league's most potent and talented young defensemen due to his combination of size, offensive skill, and physicality. Before the age of 25, he already profiles as a top-four defenseman, making him an appealing trade target for any team that wants to add a long-term impact player on the blue line.
Something else that is noteworthy with this report is the recent trade where the Hurricanes acquired the rights to veteran defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks this past weekend during the 2026 NHL Draft.
Carolina's recent trade to acquire veteran defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks could also influence the Hurricanes' decision-making on the trade block on the blue line this offseason. Even though it doesn't necessarily mean the Hurricanes will move Nikishin, getting a proven veteran defenseman gives Carolina the added flexibility if they decide to explore a trade.
We don't know yet whether the Hurricanes will ultimately decide to move Nikshin, but the latest report from Friedman at least suggests the Kings are one of the teams worth watching on the block if trade talks continue. For a Kings team still looking for ways to improve on the blue line, Nikishin could be one of the highest upside additions available this offseason.
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