Former Nikita Kucherov Teammates Open Door to Maple Leafs Blockbuster

Toronto Maple Leafs players Darren Raddysh and Nick Paul welcomed the idea of trading for their former Tampa Bay Lightning teammate Nikita Kucherov following reports that the star forward requested a trade. Kucherov, currently in the final year of his contract, reportedly told the Lightning he will not sign an extension and prefers to be moved. Both Raddysh and Paul expressed shock at the news but indicated enthusiasm about a potential reunion in Toronto.

Despite the rampant trade speculation connecting Kucherov to the Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois issued a statement asserting that the organization has no intention of trading him. The writer notes Toronto also features Russian players Sergei Bobrovsky and Kirill Marchenko, while Kucherov has recorded four goals and 14 assists during the current season.