Kucherov Says Trade Request Stemmed From Lightning’s Communication, Not Money

WHO:

NHL.com - Nikita Kucherov is a 33-year-old Tampa Bay Lightning forward and a second-round pick (No. 58) in the 2011 NHL Draft.

NHL.com - Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said the team “unequivocally” has no intention of trading Kucherov.

NHL.com - Kucherov said his teammates heard about his trade request from him first, calling them “my family.”

NHL.com - Forward Brandon Hagel said Kucherov had not quit on or given up on the team.

theScore - League sources told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun that Kucherov is seeking a six-year contract with an average annual value of at least $20 million.

Sportskeeda - TSN insider Darren Dreger expects the Lightning to begin trade discussions with Toronto by asking for Auston Matthews.

Sportskeeda - Elliotte Friedman said a potential $120 million commitment could deter teams from pursuing Kucherov.

WHAT:

NHL.com - Kucherov said he told the Lightning he would not re-sign and requested a trade.

NHL.com - Kucherov has 1,142 points (405 goals, 737 assists) in 892 Lightning games and became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, passing Steven Stamkos’s 1,137 points.

NHL.com - He has 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) in 13 games this season.

NHL.com - Kucherov has won two Stanley Cups, two Hart Trophies and three Art Ross Trophies with Tampa Bay.

theScore - Tampa Bay reportedly offered a four-year deal at a $15 million AAV, then extended the offer to six years without raising the AAV.

theScore - Kucherov reportedly will not sign with Tampa Bay even if it meets his asking price; he would play out the season there if no trade occurs.

WHY:

NHL.com - Kucherov said the request was “never about the money” and cited “poor communication and respect.” He said they had only two conversations in four months and BriseBois made clear he was “free to walk on July 1.”

theScore - LeBrun reported that recent high-value contracts changed Kucherov’s expectations; Kucherov would demand at least $20 million AAV over six years from Tampa Bay or another team.

HOW:

NHL.com - Kucherov is in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract with a $9.5 million AAV and is eligible to sign a new contract.

NHL.com - Kucherov said he would do anything he could to help his teammates win while he remained with the Lightning.

WHERE:

NHL.com - Kucherov has spent his NHL career with Tampa Bay; he said his children are growing up there and that he is “forever grateful” to the organization.

NHL.com - The Lightning hold the Eastern Conference’s first wild-card position.

Nikita Kucherov requested a trade after telling Tampa Bay he won’t re-sign. He cited poor communication and respect, saying he wants at least twenty million annually. General manager Julien BriseBois says Tampa Bay unequivocally has no intention of trading him.