NHL Teams Race to Set Rosters Before Sept. 17 Camps as 8-Year Deals Expire

Q: Will Carolina blink at Alexander Nikishin's massive demand, or could the new CBA force a blockbuster trade before camp begins?

Carolina is more likely to push for a short-term compromise than “blink” on Nikishin’s reported ask, but the trade risk is real and the new CBA increases the pressure to act quickly. The key issue is not cap space. Carolina appears to have roughly $10 million to $11 million available, enough to fit Nikishin. The hesitation is value and role. Nikishin is a 24-year-old RFA coming off a promising rookie season and a Cup run, but he was used in sheltered minutes and saw his playoff ice time reduced. That makes an $8 million-plus demand a steep commitment for a player who has not yet proven he is a top-pair defender. The new CBA matters because it tightens contract structures and shortens maximum term, reducing some of the flexibility teams previously used to bridge valuation gaps. That can harden standoffs before camp, especially when both sides disagree on long-term worth. It also creates a natural deadline effect, pushing clubs to settle or pivot. Trade chatter is substantial. Pierre LeBrun reported Nikishin requested a trade and that the request remains in place. Elliotte Friedman has said multiple teams, including the Rangers, have shown interest, and St. Louis has also been linked. Carolina reportedly wants an NHL player back, not just picks, which raises the bar for any deal. The most likely outcome remains a bridge contract if Carolina keeps him. But if camp approaches with no movement on price or role, this is one of the clearest candidates for a late blockbuster.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 15

Thursday’s training-camp opening and a 12:01 a.m. Wednesday CBA deadline are forcing NHL clubs to settle rosters before 8-year extensions disappear and limits tighten on bonuses and front-loaded contracts.
Two of the biggest unresolved cases are trade requests from Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck, both signed long term and expected to report if no deal materializes, leaving Detroit and Winnipeg to weigh immediate-return trades over futures.
Restricted free agents still unsigned include Cutter Gauthier and Adam Fantilli, with Anaheim holding more than $15.5 million in cap space while reports say Gauthier talks are progressing and Fantilli negotiations are moving slowly.
Minnesota also faces a major extension decision with Quinn Hughes entering the final year of his contract, while nine teams still have captain vacancies, including Detroit after stripping Larkin and Chicago with Connor Bedard sidelined after shoulder surgery.