Kucherov Requests Trade From Lightning

Nikita Kucherov has asked the Tampa Bay Lightning to trade him, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

The player will not re-sign with the club when his current deal expires. The individual who shared the news spoke to The Associated Press on Friday under the condition of anonymity because the talks are private. The Lightning did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Sportsnet first reported the move.

Kucherov signed an eight-year contract worth $76 million in 2018. That deal ends after this season. He will become an unrestricted free agent. During that tenure, Tampa Bay won two Stanley Cups. Kucherov led the league in scoring three times. He received the Hart Trophy in 2018-19 and 2025-26.

General Manager Julien BriseBois praised Kucherov at a training camp news conference last month. BriseBois called him a historically great player and possibly the best in the world. BriseBois said in mid-September that the goal was to sign Kucherov to a long-term deal. He stated he and agent Dan Milstein kept communication lines open. BriseBois noted both parties preferred a deal to be finished but had not achieved one.

Kucherov is 33 years old. He ranks third in regular-season points among active players with 1,139 in 891 games since 2013. Only Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon have more. His 177 playoff points are the highest total in that span. Kucherov became the franchise career points leader last weekend by passing Steven Stamkos. He has 15 points in 12 games this season, which is second on the team behind Brandon Hagel.

Kucherov is the latest high-profile star to seek a trade. Brady Tkachuk moved from Ottawa to Florida. Connor Hellebuyck moved from Winnipeg to New Jersey. Dylan Larkin remains with Detroit in a state of uncertainty. Unlike those players, Kucherov has no guaranteed future with his current team beyond this season.

The Lightning have made the playoffs 12 times in 13 seasons. They reached the final round four times with Kucherov and Victor Hedman at the center of their core. Other players like Brayden Point and Andrei Vasilevskiy rotated through the lineup. The team has lost in the first round in each of the past four years.