Now that the Jason Robertson saga has come to a close (mercifully in my eyes), perhaps it’s high time for Penguins GM/POHO Kyle Dubas to shift his focus. Namely, addressing one of the gaping holes on his team. One Dubas in large part created.
Yes, I’m talking about our defense, more precisely the left side. With the departures of Parker Wotherspoon and Ryan Shea, the port side looks woefully thin. Sam Girard, capable but erratic following his arrival in late February, is our only established left shot. Free-agent Declan Carlile did well in a supporting role as a rookie with the Lightning, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to step into a more prominent role the way Wotherspoon did last season. The only other left shots in the organization, unproven former first-rounder Owen Pickering, undersized collegiate free-agent Jake Livanavage, oft-injured journeyman Caleb Jones and free-agent bust Ryan Graves, are iffy options at best.
While our brain trust contends that righty free agent Trevor van Riemsdyk can capably handle duty on his off-side, I’m not convinced. When describing the challenges Hall-of-Famer Jarome Iginla faced when trying to play his opposite wing (thank you Dan Bylsma), Sean Conboy of Pittsburgh Magazine wrote, “Try using your computer mouse with your opposite hand for an entire day.”
Although I don’t have it handy, PP colleague Other Rick looked up data that refutes the notion that van Riemsdyk is as effective on his opposite side.
Fortunately, there may be a ready-made solution. One that could solidify the Pens’ defense for years to come.
The defending Cup champion Hurricanes are rumored to be shopping, or at the very least entertaining offers, for RFA defenseman Alex Nikishin.
For the unaware, Nikishin’s a 24-year-old left sider who possesses all the tools. He’s large (6’3” 218), can skate and move the puck (11 goals and 33 points as an NHL rookie) and is physical to boot (132 hits). In other words, the total package.
The Pens haven’t had a defenseman like him in…well…maybe never.
Frankly, it’s a little bit of a mystery as to why the defending champs would be willing to part with such a valuable commodity, other than the fact that the Orel, Russia native is likely due a healthy increase from the $925K he pulled down on his most recent contract.
Too, the ‘Canes are stacked on the left side with K’Andre Miller, Jaccob Slavin and Shayne Gostisbehere. A development that led to Nikishin, ironically, playing on his off side quite a bit.
So what would it take to get him?
I haven’t a clue.
It’s reported that any team seeking to acquire Nikishin would also need to take on forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi, basically the ‘Canes version of Graves. Once a player of considerable promise who’s scored as many as 18 goals, the 25-year-old Finn eked out a paltry two goals and nine points last season in 42 games.
He’s also under contract for four more seasons at a cap hit of $4.82 million.
I know what you’re thinking. We send them Graves and, say, Tommy Novak for Nikishin and Kotkaniemi.
Uh uh. Nothing doing. ‘Canes GM Eric Tulsky didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday. He’s a shrewd negotiator who’s seeking a higher-end return for Nikishin, as well he should.
If we acquire Nikishin, there’s going to be some pain involved. Perhaps in the form of budding prospect Harrison Brunicke heading to the ‘Canes, who would appear to need help on the right side. Which would be ironic, since the 20-year-old South African was drafted with a pick we gleaned from the ‘Canes in the Jake Guentzel swap.
A steep price, for sure.
Sometimes you have to give to get.
