NHL Notebook: Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov requests trade

Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov has reportedly informed the franchise that he will not re-sign and has requested a trade, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The 33-year-old winger, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and reigning Hart Trophy winner, recently surpassed Steven Stamkos to become the Lightning's all-time points leader after recording 15 points across his first 12 games of the season.

Elsewhere across hockey, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has chosen to sit out games while awaiting a trade, prompting interim general manager Shawn Horcoff to suspend him without pay. In international hockey news, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has ordered the IIHF to overturn its ban and readmit Russian national teams to international competitions.