Nikita Kucherov’s Future With Lightning in Question After Trade Request

Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov has reportedly requested a trade, according to reports by Elliotte Friedman and Pierre LeBrun. The news came just one day after Kucherov became Tampa Bay's all-time leading scorer. LeBrun reported that Kucherov informed his teammates on a team flight to Nashville following a meeting between his agent Dan Milstein and general manager Julien BriseBois.

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois released a statement insisting the franchise has no intention of trading the reigning Hart Memorial Trophy winner. Kucherov is in the final season of an eight-year contract carrying a $9.5 million average annual value, and contract extension talks have reportedly stalled over term and salary expectations.