Could we see Nikita Kucherov sit out games with the Lightning?

It’s only been a few days since reports came out of Nikita Kucherov, the reigning Hart Trophy winner, requesting a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Kucherov, who has 18 points in 13 games this season, has won two Stanley Cup championships with the Lightning during his 14-year NHL career and has taken the club to four Final appearances. But now that he’s in the final season of an eight-year, $76-million contract, Kucherov appears to want out and maximize his potential earnings elsewhere.

On Monday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discuss the Kucherov-Lightning situation and if the three-time Art Ross Trophy winner could find himself in a situation like Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck where they sit out after demanding a trade.

Tyler Yaremchuk: There was a point where Dylan Larkin was going to be a good soldier and play with the Detroit Red Wings, and that was going fine, until it wasn’t. I’m curious if we get to a point where, maybe a month before the trade deadline, where Kucherov says “I am going to play hardball, I’m not playing anymore, I’m going to sit out.”

I’m curious if Lightning GM Julien BriseBois digs his heels in.

Matt Larkin: I think we could get to that point. Based on conversations I’ve had, it feels like Kucherov is genuinely done and has no intention of re-signing. Obviously, things can change, there could be some posturing happening. But he feels disrespected.

I think this is an organization that has been cold and calculating, as we saw with Steven Stamkos. It sounds like Kucherov has not been happy with the contract offers or negotiations. It’s a bit of disrespect, in his mind.

Based on that, if you’re the Lightning, you have to at least entertain a hockey trade. On the other hand, it’s not a guarantee. Again, based on what I’ve heard, he’s still committed to the team, he still has a great relationship with Jon Cooper, so he’s willing to play. I don’t think we’re going to get a Dylan Larkin situation. There’s no strain between him and the team.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…