5 Teams Linked To Nikita Kucherov Trade

Nikita Kucherov isn't interested in re-signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and while he's confirmed the news to his teammates, and the rest of the organization, GM Julien BriseBois has come out to make a statement that the Bolts have no interest in trading their franchise great this season.

Kucherov owns a 10-team approved trade list, and while every team in the league would love to get their hands on the reigning MVP, there's five teams that stand out as favorites in trade talks.

First off, the Montreal Canadiens are a team to watch. Kucherov is close with Habs head coach Martin St. Louis, and the Canadiens are loaded with prospects, and NHL talent to make a deal with their Atlantic Division rivals. It would be wild to see this trade go down in the division, but if it does materialize, look for top prospect Michael Hage to be involved.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a team Kucherov would be open to playing for, and extending with, and if this trade gets to the finish line, look for Easton Cowan and prospect Ben Danford to be involved.

The Carolina Hurricanes could offer Jackson Blake or Andrei Svechnikov, who isn't necessarily on great terms with the organization. Kucherov's work ethic fits in perfectly for how the Hurricanes go about their business.

The Dallas Stars could offer pending free-agent Jason Robertson, as Kucherov would give them some stability at the wing. You have to think Tampa Bay prefers to trade Kucherov as far away as possible, so if a deal goes down, I'd expect a western conference team to win the sweepstakes.

Lastly, keep an eye on the San Jose Sharks. Kucherov with Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini would be fun to watch. Ivar Stenberg or Michael Misa would be included here, along with at least one of the Sharks' top prospects outside the NHL.

For now, Kucherov remains a Bolt, and the team isn't serious fielding trade offers.