Penguins Trade Pitch Would Land $9 Million AAV Star Defenseman

Bleacher Report's Adam Gretz proposed a three-team trade pitch that would see the Pittsburgh Penguins acquire Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin. With Nikishin reportedly reluctant to join the Winnipeg Jets in a direct swap involving goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, the Penguins could act as a third team to facilitate the blockbuster move.

According to the proposal, Pittsburgh would likely send forward Tommy Novak and goaltending prospect Joel Blomqvist away while targeting a long-term contract extension for Nikishin around $9 million AAV. General manager Kyle Dubas would address an impending defensive void, as veteran blueliner Erik Karlsson is not expected to return after hitting free agency next summer.