Reigning MVP Nikita Kucherov Asks For Trade From Lightning
According to multiple sources, Nikita Kucherov has informed both his teammates and the Lightning organization that he will not be re-signing with Tampa Bay and would like to be traded.The exact reasons are unclear at this point, but Kucherov — the NHL’s reigning MVP — is in the final season of an eight-year, $76-million contract.
Kucherov and his agent Dan Milstein held a meeting late Friday afternoon with Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois, reports Pierre LeBrun, advising that the team’s all-time points leader is asking to be moved. Kucherov told his teammates on the plane.
He has a modified no trade clause, which allows him to give a list of 10 approved teams.
The superstar Russian forward is a three-time winner of the Art Ross as the league's scoring champion, and won the Hart Trophy last year as the NHL's MVP for the second time.
He led the Bolts to two Stanley Cups, in 2020 and 2021, but the 33-year-old and the team are not on the same page as to what he'd be worth on a new contract. He is a pending unrestricted free agent after the season when his eight-year, $9.5M AAV deal comes to a close. He could very easily earn a new deal at double that rate.
"For most of us, Kucherov staying in Tampa seemed like an absolute certainty," wrote Friedman. "Obviously, we were wrong about that. Who knows where we go by the trade deadline and July 1, but Kucherov has made it clear he is not happy and, at this time, prefers another path."
That's two Tampa Bay legends leaving Florida in the last 2 1/2 years. First Stamkos (in 2024), now Kucherov. Wow.