New NHL Trade Rumors Reveal Nikita Kucherov's Stance on Lightning Future Amid Contract Year
Bleacher Report • • sports
Key Points:
- Nikita Kucherov has informed the Tampa Bay Lightning and his teammates that he will not re-sign with the team and has requested a trade after 13 seasons and two Stanley Cups with the franchise.
- Kucherov, 33, is in the final year of his eight-year, $9.5 million AAV contract and holds a modified no-trade clause allowing him to submit 10 approved trade destinations.
- Despite the trade request, Kucherov plans to continue playing for the Lightning while discussions are ongoing, and he recently met with GM Julien BriseBois to discuss his situation.
- Kucherov's departure would follow other NHL stars like Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin who have sought mid-season trades, with the Lightning hoping to maintain a positive relationship given Kucherov's key role in their recent success.
- The request comes shortly after Kucherov became the Lightning's all-time points leader and joins Steven Stamkos as a prominent former Lightning star seeking to leave the franchise.
