What are we thinking about defence?

[computer_trash]

From the rumors, seems like Nikishin is gone, unless his camp agrees to a bridge deal or gets a bit more "team friendly."
Carlson signed with Tampa, despite reported best efforts.

The available free agents are extremely underwhelming.

What are we thinking?
A) Trade Niki for picks and promote from the Wolves? Nystrom or Legault, depending on how they are looking in training camp?
B) Do we trade Niki and a prospect or picks for a roster player? What teams are selling and have solid d-men for a price we are willing to take on?
C) Bite the bullet and sign Niki for the asking price? I feel like with this org, they will only do this if all things fall through.
D) Secret fourth option?

 

[ctrlshiftjon]

Let Nikishin's agent play chicken and Nikishin can play for $874,000 next year. The reality is that Nikishin has no power. He's an RFA without arbitration rights. Sure, he could go to Russia and make a few million, but if he does that you'd have to imagine that his NHL career is potentially over because the Canes control his rights. Like, that's the risk for them, so it's not as easy as 'just go back to Russia.'

Personally, I'd see about giving him a stupid good two year deal. It gives him much more money than he'd make going back to Russia, it gives him two years to develop, and he'd still be an RFA after those two years and can go hunt an offer sheet this time. If Nikishin develops into the star he wants to be, he's happy. If he doesn't, the Canes are happy.

And as a P.S., I also think we're reading a lot into the situation that may or may not actually be there since I think I heard Tulsky say that they hadn't engaged with Nikishin and his agent yet about a contract because he's an RFA without arbitration rights, so he is the lowest possible priority thing for the front office right now.

 

[MoBigRed]

It's ridiculous that we're even having the money discussion over a rookie who, while he had a solid regular season on the 3rd pairing, was IMO the weakest defenseman on the team during the Cup run. Dude's ceiling is high but until he shows it, you don't give him the keys to the kingdom. I agree on the thought of giving him a bridge deal. If that isn't good enough, enjoy going back to Russia. There are other defensemen.

 

[Caniac]

I agree. The bridge deal should be the way. He still has a lot to prove with his potential. I really don't think he would seriously make the threat of "I'll just go back to Russia" with the situation there, especially for military aged men, so that would be a bluff. His agent may be overplaying his hand.