‘It’s time to move on’: Nikita Kucherov’s agent discusses trade request, relationship with Lightning teammates
Nikita Kucherov’s well-publicized trade request shook the hockey world last week. And now, his agent is shedding some light on the whole situation.
Gold Star’s Dan Milstein joined Jeff Marek and David Pagnotta on Wednesday’s episode of DFO Insider, where he said the time is now for Kucherov to move on from the Tampa Bay Lightning – the only team the Russian winger has ever played for.
“I can’t say anything bad about [Lightning GM Julien Brisebois],” Milstein said. “I believe we’re on very, very good terms. We’ve done business for a very long time. He’s done a very good job and he’s been very successful at his job for the Tampa Bay Lightning over the years.
“But looking back at this past summer, I wish that both him and I did things a little bit different. And I’ll just leave it at that, guys.”
Milstein didn’t elaborate on what happened for Kucherov to request a trade out of Tampa. The Lightning originally selected Kucherov in the second round of the 2011 NHL Draft. The 5-foot-11 winger has spent his entire professional career to date in the Lightning organization, having helped the club reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2015, 2020, 2021, and 2022, winning the Cup in 2021 and 2022.
If Kucherov doesn’t sign a new deal before the summer, trade or not, he’ll become one of the biggest unrestricted free agents in NHL history.
“Things went horribly wrong beyond the repair probably at this point in time, and it’s unfortunate but it’s at the conclusion of the season it’s time to move on,” Milstein added.
Per the terms of his contract, Kucherov must provide the Lightning with a list of 10 teams with whom he will approve a trade.
Despite the trade, both Kucherov and Milstein have maintained that Kucherov will remain playing with the Bolts and is very close to his teammates.
“Nikita is very much liked by everybody,” Milstein said. “Yes, he pushes everybody around him to be better, but I will call out everyone who is going to be posting negative derogatory comments that have absolutely no substance. So Nikita is very good friends with all of his teammates. [Coach] Jon Cooper and Nikita Kucherov have a phenomenal relationship.
You can watch the full episode below:
