Insider Report Indirectly Links Oilers to Possible Kucherov Trade

Nikita Kucherov has reportedly told the Tampa Bay Lightning that he will not re-sign and wants to be traded, preferring to join a top NHL superstar. According to ESPN's Emily Kaplan, Kucherov holds a 10-team approved trade list as he enters the final year of his contract carrying a $9.5 million cap hit. NHL Trade Talk notes that this preference indirectly puts the Edmonton Oilers in focus due to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Despite the rampant speculation, Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien Brisebois issued a statement insisting the club has no intention of trading Kucherov. NHL Trade Talk suggests that while the Oilers would face significant salary cap obstacles and asset limitations in any potential deal, Kucherov would be an ideal fit in Edmonton's top-six forward group if Tampa Bay is eventually forced to explore a trade.