NHL Rumors: Nikita Kucherov Trade Request Sends Shockwaves Through the NHL

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade and informed the franchise that he will not re-sign. In response, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois released a statement declaring he has no intention of trading the reigning Hart Trophy winner. Agent Dan Milstein stated that Kucherov has informed all involved parties of the situation.

Kucherov is an impending unrestricted free agent who reportedly sought a six-year contract extension worth $20 million annually. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that rival general managers across the league were left stunned by the request as Tampa Bay confronts salary cap constraints.