The latest on the Blues’ rumored pursuit of Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, and an update on the Wild in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio noted that the St. Louis Blues have already added plenty of young talent to their roster this summer, such as Mason McTavish, Connor McMichael, and Milton Gastrin.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (NHL Images).

The Blues are also linked to defenseman Alexander Nikishin. It’s been reported that the Carolina Hurricanes are weighing trading the 24-year-old restricted free agent rather than re-signing him. The Hurricanes are already deep with left-shot blueliners, including Jaccob Slavin, K’Andre Miller, and Shayne Gostisbehere.

It’s believed the Blues are among the leading candidates for Nikishin. However, Gaudio believes the sticking points are whether he’ll be a good fit on their blueline; whether he’s worth the price to acquire him; and the cost of signing him to a new contract.

The Hurricanes’ asking price for Nikishin hasn’t been revealed. However, Gaudio noted that there’s speculation they could be trying to package center Jesperi Kotkaniemi in the deal. The Blues only have about $4.3 million in cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues could include a player in the deal if they were willing to take on Kotkaniemi as part of the return for Nikishin. However, they have little reason to do so as they already have Robert Thomas, McTavish, the promising Dalibor Dvorsky, and Pius Suter as their centers for 2026-27.

The Blues would likely still have to shed some salary if they acquire Nikishin, as the cost of signing him to a new contract will likely exceed their current cap space. They could try to offer up Pavel Buchnevich as part of the return, but the decline in the 31-year-old winger’s production and his $8 million cap hit through 2030-31 makes such a move unlikely.

TWINCITIES.COM: Jess Myers reports things have been quiet for the Minnesota Wild since general manager Bill Guerin acquired winger Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta a month ago.

Myers noted Guerin’s attempt to acquire Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings. However, the situation in Detroit has changed, with Steve Yzerman being replaced as general manager. That could mean Larkin ends up staying put.

The Wild have also been quiet in free agency. Myers wondered if they might convince winger Vladimir Tarasenko to return for another season at the right price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin was expected to make a big splash this summer by acquiring a first-line center, with Larkin as the prime candidate. It could still happen if Larkin remains determined to move on from the Red Wings, but the cost of acquiring him could prove too expensive.

Myers noted the Wings’ rumored asking price was Matt Boldy, but that’s not going to happen. There was speculation suggesting the possibility of a three-team trade, but that has yet to materialize. Guerin could end up waiting until a new GM is in place in Detroit, which could take weeks.