Restricted free agent defenceman Nikita Nesterov will not be qualified by the Montreal Canadiens for the upcoming season, according to a report from Elliotte Friedman.
BTW, hearing MON will not qualify Nikita Nesterov -- so he will be a UFA, too
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 16, 2017
The Canadiens would have until June 26 to submit a qualifying offer to retain his rights, but it does not appear such an offer will be coming.
Nesterov was obtained by the Canadiens mid-season from the Tampa Bay Lightning in return of Jonathan Racine and a draft pick.