Nikita Kucherov Requests Trade From Lightning Before $76 Million Deal Expires
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 31
Nikita Kucherov Requests Trade From Lightning Before $76 Million Deal Expires
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 31
Summary
Nikita Kucherov has told Tampa Bay he will not re-sign after this season and wants a trade, according to multiple reports, a stunning turn for the reigning NHL MVP.
The 33-year-old plans to sign elsewhere when his 8-year, $76 million contract expires, pushing the Lightning toward a move rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Any deal could be complicated by Tampa Bay's expected high asking price and by suitors wanting confidence Kucherov would stay beyond this season, though his modified no-trade clause is not seen as a major barrier.
Kucherov remains one of the league's top producers, coming off a 130-point 2025-26 season and opening this year with 15 points in 14 games as Tampa Bay sits third in the Atlantic Division.