Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning and informed the organization he will not re-sign with the team, Sportsnet reported Friday. The reigning Hart Trophy winner is in the final year of his eight-year, $76 million contract and has communicated his desire to leave to both the franchise and his teammates.
Kucherov requests trade amid contract stalemate
The request follows a Friday afternoon meeting between Kucherov, his agent Dan Milstein, and Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois, according to TSN. Sources told ESPN that negotiations for a new contract remained far apart, as Kucherov is due for a significant raise. With the rising NHL salary cap, ESPN reports the winger could potentially earn more than double his current $9.5 million average annual value (AAV).
Kucherov informed his teammates of the decision during the team’s flight to Nashville on Friday, per TSN and ESPN. Despite the request, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports that Kucherov plans to continue playing for the Lightning while the situation is resolved.
Worth mentioning this: I’m told Kucherov plans to keep playing for the Lightning while this situation plays out.
Did you know? Kucherov recently became the all-time points leader for the Tampa Bay Lightning, surpassing longtime teammate Steven Stamkos under a week before requesting a trade.
Kucherov seeks superstar teammate under modified no-trade clause
Kucherov holds a modified no-trade clause. According to PuckPedia, this allows him to provide a list of 10 approved destinations to the Lightning. ESPN sources further indicate that Kucherov is interested in playing alongside one of the league’s top superstars.
Nikita Kucherov and his agent Dan Milstein just wrapped up a meeting within the last half hour with Tampa GM Julien BriseBois advising that the Hart Trophy winner is asking for a trade. Kucherov told his teammates on the plane. @FriedgeHNIC first on the news.
The Lightning face a complex valuation process. Fox News reports that while Tampa Bay will likely seek a high return for the MVP, potential trade partners may require guarantees that Kucherov will sign a long-term extension with a new club.
Lightning franchise shift after championship era
Kucherov’s request follows the 2024 departure of Steven Stamkos, who signed with the Nashville Predators in free agency. Kucherov was drafted by Tampa Bay in 2011 and was a central figure in the team’s back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.
The team currently sits third in the Atlantic Division with an 8-3-1 record. Kucherov has contributed 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) through 12 games this season. However, the franchise has suffered four straight first-round playoff eliminations, most recently losing in seven games to the Montreal Canadiens.
Recent NHL star trade requests
| Player | Team | Outcome/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Connor Hellebuyck | Winnipeg Jets | Traded to New Jersey Devils |
| Dylan Larkin | Detroit Red Wings | Sitting out indefinitely without pay |
| Nikita Kucherov | Tampa Bay Lightning | Active; requesting trade |
BriseBois and Milstein decline to comment on trade request
General manager Julien BriseBois previously stated in July that the organization believed Kucherov wanted to remain in Tampa following early extension talks, according to TampaBayLightning.com. Both BriseBois and agent Dan Milstein have declined to comment on the current trade request, per Sportsnet and ESPN.
Common Questions Regarding the Kucherov Trade Request
When does Nikita Kucherov’s current contract expire?
Kucherov is playing the final year of an eight-year deal that concludes after the current season.
What is the impact of the modified no-trade clause?
Per PuckPedia, Kucherov can submit a list of 10 teams he is willing to be traded to, limiting the Lightning’s options compared to a standard trade.
How does this compare to the Connor Hellebuyck situation?
Unlike Hellebuyck, who was suspended for a month after not reporting to training camp before being traded to New Jersey, Kucherov intends to keep playing for Tampa Bay while his trade request is processed.
Kucherov’s last extension was signed in 2018, shortly before the exit of former GM Steve Yzerman.
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