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NHL Rumors: Nikita Kucherov, Valeri Nichushkin, Jacob Trouba

By Aly Dhanani|
Apr 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) warms up prior to game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Detroit Red Wings at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) warms up prior to game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Detroit Red Wings at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Rumors: Latest On Restricted Free Agents Nikita Kucherov, Valeri Nichushkin, Jacob Trouba

With the World Cup of Hockey basically underway, there are still plenty of big-name restricted free agents at the forefront of NHL rumors, most of them, in fact, playing in the tournament.

Today we look at the latest on three of the biggest unsigned RFA’s, the Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov, Valeri Nichushkin in Dallas, and Jacob Trouba on the Jets.

Latest NHL Rumors: Nikita Kucherov

Russian hockey insider Igor Eronko reported Friday that Kontinental Hockey League team CSKA Moscow has offered RFA Nikita Kucherov a contract.

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Eronko specified that there had been no talks between Kucherov’s camp and CSKA prior to the contract offer. The 23-year-old Kucherov had 30 goals and 66 points in 77 games and is one of the best up and coming young snipers in the league.

Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times says that the contracts of young guns Filip Forsberg and Vladimir Tarasenko are being used as comparable contracts for Kucherov in talks with the Lightning. That’s $6-$7 million dollars a year. Could a KHL team possibly match that over one year? Steven Dossi of The Hockey Writers thinks not.

But then again, there is the fact that Kucherov is from Russia and has family/friends there. The Russian played for CSKA Moscow from 2010-12 as a teenager and you wonder if he would be interested in going back.

Latest NHL Rumors: Valeri Nichushkin

Mar 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) skates against the St. Louis Blues during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Blues defeat the Stars 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) skates against the St. Louis Blues during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Blues defeat the Stars 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Another Russian RFA, Valeri Nichushkin has also been surrounded by KHL speculation as he is still unsigned a week into September. According to KHL reporter Aiavis Kalnins, Nichushkin was asking for $1.5 million dollars (likely on a one year deal) from KHL team Traktor Chelyabinsk.

That’s a very reasonable asking price for the 21-year-old former top ten pick, who had 29 points in 79 games in 2015-16.  Unfortunately, Nichushkin often faces criticism for inconsistent play, which could be one reason that explains why the two sides are apart on annual average salary (AAV).

Latest NHL Rumors: Jacob Trouba

When TSN’s Darren Dreger appeared on TSN 290 Radio (via Today’s Slapshot), he put to rest rumors that Trouba may not be willing to play in Winnipeg.

"“I’ve been told by both parties here that Jacob Trouba is absolutley willing to sign and stay in Winnipeg” – Darren Dreger"

It was reported that the main disagreement between Trouba’s camp and the Jets was playing time, as Trouba, a left side defender is slated to play on the third pairing this upcoming season. However, Jets head coach Paul Maurice said Friday that Trouba was contemplating a switch to the right side, which would bump the 21-year-old up to the top pairing with Dustin Byfuglien.

Next: 1 Question For All 30 Teams Heading Into Training Camp

This will be an interesting team to watch in the coming weeks between Jacob Trouba and overabundance of netminders.  For the price it would cost to sign Trouba, Winnipeg would be flirting with the cap ceiling.  Considering the Jets are largely known as a budget team, it’s very unlikely they’d be comfortable signing their young defender until they are able to trim a bit of salary.  Ideally, Winnipeg should look to trim Ondrej Pavelec‘s $3.9 million dollar cap hit (he’s due $4.75 million actual salary in 2016-17), but they may need to retain partial salary on the final year of his contract.

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