Around the NHL: Matthew Knies struggling in Columbus, Hurricanes’ failed pursuit of Connor Hellebuyck

TheLeafsNation reports that Matthew Knies is off to a slow start with the Columbus Blue Jackets, registering four points through nine games after being traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Kirill Marchenko. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes failed in their multi-week pursuit to trade for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck before his move to the New Jersey Devils, as Carolina was unwilling to part with key young forwards and could not find a suitable trade package involving defenceman Alexander Nikishin.

Following the unsuccessful trade talks, Nikishin signed a one-year, $3 million contract extension with the Hurricanes. Elsewhere across the NHL, trade discussions continue surrounding Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin and defenceman Simon Edvinsson, while the Buffalo Sabres also previously missed out on Hellebuyck after goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen exercised his no-trade clause.