Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Nikita Kucherov reportedly asks Lightning for a trade
Nikita Kucherov has told the Tampa Bay Lightning he will not re-sign and wants a trade, according to reports citing Sportsnet.
The 33-year-old Russian forward has played 13 seasons for Tampa Bay and helped the team win two Stanley Cups.
He is in the final season of his current contract, and no extension has been signed.
Kucherov has scored four goals and made 11 assists in 12 games this season, while the Lightning have started 8-3-1.
The team must decide whether to trade him or keep him, with general manager Julien BriseBois facing the choice.
Kucherov has been one of the NHL's most productive players, so losing him could have a major effect on Tampa Bay.
The Lightning are next scheduled to play at Nashville on Saturday.
Nikita Kucherov has told the Tampa Bay Lightning he will not re-sign and wants to be traded, according to reports citing sources.
The 33-year-old winger is in the final year of his contract, which carries an average annual value of $9.5 million.
Kucherov has recorded 15 points, including four goals and 11 assists, in 12 games this season.
The Lightning are 8-3-1 and sit third in the Atlantic Division.
The reports do not state why Kucherov wants to leave.
- Who
- Nikita Kucherov, a right wing for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
- What
- He reportedly told the team he will not re-sign and would like to be traded.
- When
- The reports were published on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- The Tampa Bay Lightning.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tampa Bay drafted Kucherov 58th overall.
The Lightning beat the Winnipeg Jets 6-4; Kucherov had an assist.
Reports said Kucherov had told the Lightning he would not re-sign and wanted a trade.
- Age
- 33
- Contract
- Final year of an eight-year deal with a $9.5 million average annual value
- 2026-27 season
- Contract runs through 2026-27; unrestricted free agency follows
- 2026-27 statistics
- 15 points in 12 games, including four goals and 11 assists
- Lightning record
- 8-3-1 at the time of the reports
11 sources
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Nikita Kucherov tells Lightning he won't re-sign, wants out
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Sources: Hart winner Kucherov, 33, requests trade from Lightning
What people are saying
has informed both his teammates and the Lightning organization that he will not be re-signing with Tampa Bay and would like to be traded.