Media Bytes: Nikishin, Bold Predictions, Garand Fallout
A Nikishin deal that almost happened, a playoff forecast with no Rangers, and a bold call on Chris Drury's future. This week's NHL media roundup has plenty to unpack.
Welcome back to Media Bytes, a weekly column from Blueshirt Banter. Every Sunday, we’ll help you start the week right with a quick catch-up on the latest stories and developments around the New York Rangers and the broader NHL media landscape.
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Nyet-kishkin
1. On 32 Thoughts this week, Elliotte Friedman provided an update on where things stand between the Carolina Hurricanes and defenseman Alexander Nikishin, revealing that Nikishin was nearly traded to the Rangers this summer.
“They had a deal … and they couldn’t come to a contract agreement,” Friedman said, referring to the deal that ultimately fell through between New York and Carolina.
Referencing the contract Zeev Buium recently signed, Friedman added that the figure he had previously heard Nikishin was seeking was around $9 million per season.
“I don’t think the Rangers got there,” he said. “I don’t think they were far away, but I don’t think they got there.”
Later in the show, Friedman provided another piece of context, noting that Carolina is believed to be seeking “something akin to” two first-round picks for Nikishin—“whether it’s two first-round picks or comparable talent.”
