Will the Bruins enter the Nikita Kucherov sweepstakes?

Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning after confirming he will not sign a contract extension, citing poor communication and a lack of respect from general manager Julien BriseBois. Although BriseBois previously stated the Lightning have no intention of trading Kucherov, the superstar winger indicated he is prepared to test free agency when his contract expires on July 1.

Conor Ryan argues the Boston Bruins are well-positioned to pursue Kucherov if he reaches the open market, noting their projected $25 million in salary cap space next offseason. While acquiring Kucherov via trade would require a massive return, Ryan believes Boston has the financial flexibility to offer the reported six-year, $120 million contract Kucherov is seeking.