Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy Makes Decision On Future With Tampa Bay
Milstein made the comments on this week's DFO Insider with Jeff Marek and David Pagnotta, where he described the 32-year-old netminder as “extremely happy” in Tampa Bay and said he wants to finish his career with the Lightning.
Milstein Makes His Client’s Wishes Known
The stated goal is for Vasilevskiy to reach 1,000 games in a Lightning uniform, a target that would take roughly six more seasons at his usual workload and carry him to around age 38.
Milstein said Kucherov’s trade request has not affected Vasilevskiy’s relationship with the organization, adding that he treats each client’s situation separately.
Dan Milstein - DFO Insider - Vasilevskiy | I mean, look, at this point in time, Andrei is extremely happy. He's just like Nikita Kucherov pre the summer, wishes to finish his career as a Tampa Bay Lightning player. And the goal is to play 1,000 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning. And I hope, and I can only hope, because it's only, you know, obviously it's not up to us, that Andrei Vasilevskiy finishes his Hall of Fame career with one team. - 11/4 #GoBolts #NHL
— R i N K Y (@RinkyReport) November 5, 2026
He compared Vasilevskiy’s current mindset to Kucherov’s before this summer, a comparison that will not fully calm Lightning fans given how contract talks with Kucherov eventually unfolded.
Milstein also acknowledged that the outcome is not only up to his clients, saying he hopes Vasilevskiy finishes his Hall of Fame career with one team.
Vasilevskiy’s Contract Still Has Time Left
Vasilevskiy is in the seventh season of an eight-year, $76 million contract that carries a $9.5 million cap hit and runs through the 2027-28 season.
The deal includes a 10-team trade list for its final three seasons, which gives the goaltender a say in where he could be moved.
Dan Milstein, Vasilevskiy's agent, on DFO Insider: "At this point in time, Andrei is extremely happy. He, just like Nikita Kucherov pre the summer, wishes to finish his career as a Tampa Bay Lightning player. And the goal is to play 1,000 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning." Thoughts?
— bluelinemetrics (@bluelinemetrics) November 5, 2026
He is expected to become eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2027, with negotiations not anticipated until the offseason.
This year, he is 8-3-1 with an .886 save percentage and a 2.75 goals-against average in 12 starts this season, while his resume already includes two Stanley Cups, two Vezina Trophies and the 2021 Conn Smythe Trophy.
