According to multiple reports, Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov – reigning Hart Memorial Trophy winner as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player – has informed the team that he will not be re-signing and would like a trade.
Go ahead and pick your jaw up off the floor after that one.
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Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Kucherov has informed the team and his teammates of his intention to sign elsewhere when his 8-year contract worth $76 million ends after this season.
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On top of that, Friedman reports that the two-time Hart Trophy winner and two-time Stanley Cup champion has requested a trade from the club, although Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois and Kucherov’s agent Dan Milstein declined to comment.
The prevailing thought was that Kucherov would re-sign with the Lightning. He has been the centerpiece of their team on three runs to the Stanley Cup Final and the team is still playing well. They currently sit third in the Atlantic Division, just two points behind first.
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Multiple reports suggest that NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov has told the Tampa Bay Lightning that he will not re-sign with them and would like a trade. (Candice Ward-Imagn Images)
However, if Friedman’s report turns out to be relevant, things could get crazy.
If Kucherov has indeed indicated he won’t re-sign, the Lightning will obviously look to trade him rather than let the reigning league MVP walk for nothing.
The 33-year-old Russian currently has a modified no-trade clause, which shouldn’t be too restrictive when it comes to making a deal.
The 33-year-old is coming off a 130-point campaign in 2025-26, (Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)
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The problem may be that the Lightning will want a significant return for such a high-end player, while potential trade partners will likely want assurance that paying a premium price will secure Kucherov’s services beyond this season.
So far this season, Kucherov has 4 goals and 11 assists in 14 games.
Last season he had 130 points (44G, 86A), which was his fourth straight season with 110+ points.
Gn sports
