Nikita Kucherov Requests Trade Away From Tampa Bay Lightning

Kucherov informs teammates on plane

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade. The 33 year old star informed his teammates of his decision on the team plane on Friday. Tampa Bay plays on the road in Nashville on Saturday.

Kucherov is in the final year of an eight year contract worth 76 million dollars, which carries an average annual value of 9.5 million dollars. With the rising NHL salary cap, the winger is due for a large pay increase that could potentially more than double his current average salary. Contract talks between the team and Kucherov's representatives remained far apart, leading to a meeting on Friday where Kucherov expressed his desire to play elsewhere.

His agent, Dan Milstein, and Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Kucherov holds a modified no trade clause, allowing him to give management a list of 10 approved teams.

A decorated career with the franchise

The trade request comes despite a long history of success together. Kucherov has spent his entire 14 year NHL career in Tampa Bay, helping the team win Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.

He is a three time Art Ross Trophy winner and currently holds the Hart Trophy as league MVP. Kucherov also recently surpassed former teammate Steven Stamkos as the all time leading scorer in franchise history.

Through 12 games this season, Kucherov has four goals and 15 points. Tampa Bay sits third in the Atlantic Division with an 8-3-1 record, which includes wins in their first six home games.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Lightning at Nashville Predators (NHL, Sat, 31 Oct): Nashville Predators win 39%, Tampa Bay Lightning win 61%; projected score Nashville Predators 3, Tampa Bay Lightning 4. Our safest pick: Predators +1.5.

Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL, Wed, 04 Nov): Tampa Bay Lightning win 57%, Detroit Red Wings win 43%; projected score Tampa Bay Lightning 3, Detroit Red Wings 3. Our safest pick: Over 4 goals.