Nikita Kucherov, 33, has formally requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning, sources confirmed on Friday night. The three-time Art Ross Trophy winner and reigning Hart Trophy recipient informed teammates of his decision on the team plane ahead of Saturday's game against the Nashville Predators. Kucherov, in the final year of an eight-year, $76 million contract, is due for a significant raise, potentially more than double his current $9.5 million average annual value.
Negotiations between the club and his camp remained far apart, sources said, prompting a Friday meeting where Kucherov expressed his desire to play elsewhere. The Russian winger holds a modified no-trade clause allowing a 10-team list of approved destinations. Sportsnet was first to report the news.
Tampa Bay sits third in the Atlantic Division at 8-3-1, with Kucherov recording four goals and 15 points through 12 games. He recently surpassed Steven Stamkos as the franchise's all-time leading scorer after spending his entire 14-year NHL career with the Lightning. The stunning development comes despite the team's recent success with Kucherov, who has won two Stanley Cups with the organization in 2020 and 2021.
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing