Lightning ‘unequivocally have no intention of trading’ Kucherov, GM says
NHL.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois stated the team has no intention of trading star forward Nikita Kucherov despite reports that he wants to be traded and will not re-sign with the team.
- Kucherov, a two-time Hart Trophy winner and two-time Stanley Cup champion, is in the final year of his eight-year, $76 million contract and can become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
- The 33-year-old recently became the Lightning’s all-time leading scorer with 1,139 points over 13 NHL seasons, all with Tampa Bay, and has been a key contributor with 15 points in 12 games this season.
- Despite ongoing contract negotiations, the Lightning remain optimistic about reaching a new deal with Kucherov, with management maintaining open communication with his agent.
- Kucherov has consistently been among the league’s top performers, achieving 100 points in each of the last four seasons and joining an elite group of players with 100 assists in a single season.
