Rangers' Trade for Nikishin Falls Through | New York Rangers News

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It's September 29th. This is New York Rangers News Today.

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All right, so the Rangers had big plans for their blue line upgrade this offseason. They were looking to add some depth behind the solid pair of Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov. But when Fox got hurt, it really highlighted the weak spots in their defense. It became clear they needed some help down there. One of the big targets was Alexander Nikishin from the Carolina Hurricanes. Insiders reported that the Rangers had a deal almost lined up, but it all fell apart because they couldn't agree on a contract. That's a tough break. Nikishin was asking for $9 million a year. After the Canucks extended Zeebouyam for $9.38 million, you know Nikishin wasn't gonna settle for less.

The Rangers got close, but not close enough. And that's why the trade talks fell through. It's a bummer too, because Nikishin had a solid rookie season, putting up 33 points and landing a spot on the all-rookie first team. Adding him would have been huge for the Rangers both now and down the road. Instead, they shifted gears and brought in Marcus Pettersson from the Canucks and Sean Durzi from the Utah Mammoth. With rookie Alberts Smits making the roster, along with Braden Schneider, it looks like they're ready to tackle the season with a revamped defense. Let's see how it all plays out.