Lightning say they have no intention of moving Kucherov despite trade request
Even though a star player might want out of the Sunshine State, that doesn’t mean the team is willing to accommodate.
After it was reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov is unwilling to re-sign with the team and has asked to be traded, Lightning general manager Julien Brisebois responded with a statement, noting that he’s not interested in moving the two-time Stanley Cup champion.
“We are aware of the media reports regarding the future of Nikita Kucherov with the Lightning,” BriseBois wrote. “We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita.”
According to Friedman, Kucherov is unhappy with his situation in Tampa and prefers another path right now. The 33-year-old is in the final season of his eight-year contract extension, which he signed in July 2018. The deal has a cap hit of $9.5 million, with Kucherov having a modified no-trade clause. Per the conditions of his contract, he has submitted a 10-team trade list.
Per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Kucherov’s agent, Dan Milstein, has added that Kucherov “has spoken to all the parties involved and there’s nothing else to add at this time.”
The idea of Kucherov ever leaving the Lightning, the franchise that took him in the second round in the 2011 NHL Draft, seemed like a fantasy. The Russian playmaker is arguably the best player in franchise history. He’s the team’s all-time leader in assists (734), points (1,139) and plus/minus (+202), while sitting second in goals (405) and fifth in games played (891) during the regular season. On top of that, Kucherov is first in goals (54), assists (123) and points (177) during the postseason.
Even amid his frustrations with the club, Kucherov remains one of the Lightning’s most important players. In 12 games this season, he has posted four goals and 11 assists for 15 points, sitting second on the team in scoring behind Brandon Hagel.
The Lightning (8-3-1) are currently third in the Atlantic Division. They are scheduled to visit the Nashville Predators on Saturday.
