Kucherov Requests Trade From Lightning, Targeting New Jersey
The 33-year-old superstar is in the final year of his deal and has listed ten teams he will not be traded to.
By Sanjay Ivanov ·
Nikita Kucherov has told the Tampa Bay Lightning he will not sign a contract extension and wants to be traded. The move marks a sharp turn for one of the league's best players, who recently surpassed Steven Stamkos for the franchise lead in points. Kucherov is currently in the final year of a deal that pays him $9.5 million per season. With the salary cap rising quickly, the Lightning and the player were reportedly far apart on a new number. This gap has pushed the winger to seek a change of scenery.
The situation developed over recent weeks as the team evaluated its options. Kucherov just finished a season where he recorded 44 goals and 86 assists. He earned his second Hart Trophy as league MVP. His underlying metrics were also strong, including a five-on-five goal differential of plus-38. The 33-year-old has two Stanley Cup rings and two MVP awards on his resume. He remains a top-tier offensive force despite his age.
The Lightning face a specific constraint in finding a buyer. Kucherov has a 10-team trade no-trade clause. This limits the pool of eligible teams to just a handful of organizations. The team must find a partner willing to send a package of assets to Tampa Bay in exchange for the winger. The deadline to finalize a deal is the NHL trade deadline on March 9, 2027.
Five teams stand out as likely destinations. The Montreal Canadiens have nearly $30 million in projected cap space for next season. General Manager Kent Hughes has kept his young core on team-friendly deals. Kucherov could join a line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. He would also reunite with former teammate Martin St. Louis, who now coaches Montreal.
The Minnesota Wild are another suitor. They have been linked to Dylan Larkin but could redirect their assets to Tampa Bay. Placing Kucherov on a line with Kirill Kaprizov would create a top unit. However, the Wild must consider that Quinn Hughes is also on an expiring contract. This adds risk to a major trade before next summer.
The Carolina Hurricanes have cap space and three first-round picks over the next two drafts. They just won the Stanley Cup and could add Kucherov to their roster. The Utah Mammoth also have over $25 million in projected cap space. They have a young core that could benefit from Kucherov's playmaking. Finally, the Dallas Stars might pursue a direct swap. They could trade Jason Robertson, who is on a one-year deal, for Kucherov. This would give Tampa Bay a younger scorer while Dallas gets an elite veteran.
The Lightning will wait for offers that meet their valuation. They need to address the salary cap issue before next summer. The trade process will determine which of these five teams ultimately signs the new contract.
Source: CBS Sports
