Nikita Kucherov told reporters Monday his trade request is not about money. “It was never about the money to me,” he said, adding the issue is poor communication and respect. Over the last four months he said he has had only two conversations, and Julien Brise Bois made clear he is free to walk on July 1.
Kucherov is on the final year of his eight‑year deal, earning $9.5 million, and could double that in free agency after winning two Hart Trophies and two Stanley Cups in 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning. After news of his request surfaced Friday, Julien Brise Bois said, “We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita.” Coach Jon Cooper affirmed, “Kuch is 100 % a part of this team.”
A subdued Kucherov echoed that sentiment, saying, “For now, I’m part of the team, and I will do everything I can to help my teammates win.” He called Tampa, Florida, his home, noted he has raised his kids there, and expressed “forever gratitude to this organization.” Yet he did not back down from his trade request.
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing