The St. Louis Blues are pursuing Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Nikishin is a restricted free agent who's ineligible to sign an offer sheet. He requested a trade this offseason and didn't report to training camp.
The 24-year-old is reportedly believed to be eyeing a five-year contract with an average annual value of approximately $9 million, though sources told Friedman the deal could come in at a lower number in the right situation.
The Winnipeg Jets have a been a rumored destination for the blue-liner given the Hurricanes' reported interest in goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, but Nikishin reportedly isn't interested in signing in Winnipeg.
Nikishin posted 33 points in 81 games last season, finishing seventh in Calder Trophy voting. He chipped in one assist in 17 playoff games to help the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup.
The 6-foot-3 Nikishin would fit the bill of long, rangy defensemen the Blues have targeted in recent years, such as Philip Broberg.
