Analysis: Kraken Could Target Two Carolina Hurricanes Players

It’s the dog days of the NHL offseason, and the Seattle Kraken have still not made significant changes to their roster.

That could be part of the plan for general manager Jason Botterill, as the Kraken could stand pat and wait to make any significant moves until the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline.

As of now, the Kraken have some glaring weaknesses that could hold them back. The team’s center depth, even with Shane Wright, is subpar. Seattle’s defense is solid but has just one player under-25. Outside of top prospect Chase Reid, the future of the blue line is questionable.

The reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes have also stood pat this offseason. And, why shouldn’t they? Their roster had no weaknesses last season and the majority of their core is signed to reasonable contracts. But the Hurricanes have some unfinished business still to take care of, and the Kraken could help.

Alexander Nikishin

It is curious why 24-year-old Alexander Nikishin remains a restricted free agent this deep into the offseason. Before coming overseas for the 2025 playoffs, Nikishin was a dominant KHL defenseman.

In 2025-26, his first full NHL season, Nikishin performed well. He was a great third pair defenseman, whose role elevated when players went down with injury. He had 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games. He finished seventh in Calder Trophy voting, the league’s Rookie of the Year.