The Vancouver Canucks are having a nightmare 2026-27 season, as evidenced by their 3-16-1 record.
The Canucks are also continuing to struggle, as they have lost each of their last six games and 16 out of their last 17 contests.
With the Canucks rebuilding, it is not surprising to see them at the bottom of the NHL standings. However, given how badly they are playing, it is fair to wonder if they could look to shake up their roster.
While the Canucks have multiple veteran players that they could trade this season, they should also be open to adding to their roster if a player could help them in the long term.
Due to this, the Canucks should strongly consider targeting Carolina Hurricanes' young defenseman Alexander Nikishin.
While Nikishin recently signed a one-year contract to stay with the Hurricanes, it is clear that he is still a trade candidate to watch this season. The 25-year-old requested a trade during the offseason, so it would not be surprising if he were moved. With Nikishin being a young defenseman with very good upside, he could be a very good pickup for the Canucks.
Nikishin just had a strong rookie season for the Hurricanes in 2025-26, as he posted 11 goals, 22 assists, 33 points, 132 hits, and a plus-18 rating. With this, he has already shown that he can produce offensive from the point in the NHL, while also playing a heavy game. The 6-foot-3 defenseman also started his 2026-27 season on the right foot, as he recorded a goal and an assist against the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 7.
With this and Nikishin having the potential to break out further, he is a player who the Canucks should have on their radar this season as questions about his future in Carolina continue to come up.
Nikishin could be long-term answer for the Canucks' top four
If the Canucks acquired Nikishin from the Hurricanes and signed him to a contract extension as soon as Jan. 1, he would have the potential to be a long-term part of Vancouver's top four as they continue their rebuild. This is especially so when noting that he can play both sides.
The main reason why Nikishin requested a trade from the Hurricanes was that he wanted a more significant role. He would get just that on a team with a weak blueline like Vancouver. Thus, the Canucks and Nikishin would have the potential to be a very good match.
It will be interesting to see if the Canucks pursue Nikishin this offseason because of it from here.
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