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NHL Trade: Will Panthers Target Kucherov? Don’t Bet on It

florida panthers could look at rival tampa bay lightning star nikita kucherov after reining nhl mvp rumor says he requested trade, free agent after 2026-27 season This article: NHL Trade: Will Panthers Target Kucherov? Don’t Bet on It originally appeared…

By George Richards · Florida Hockey Now

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 10:38 AM

Key Things to Know

Florida Hockey Now argues a trade sending Nikita Kucherov to rival Florida Panthers is nearly impossible.
Nikita Kucherov has reportedly requested a trade and will not re-sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois stated the team unequivocally has no intention of trading Kucherov.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Florida Hockey Now's George Richards argues that a trade sending Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov to the Florida Panthers is highly unlikely. According to an earlier report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, Kucherov informed the Lightning that he will not re-sign after his contract expires and has requested a trade.

Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois stated that the franchise has no intention of trading Kucherov. Richards notes that Florida lacks sufficient trade assets and salary cap flexibility to pursue the winger, who reportedly seeks a new contract near $20 million annually.

Read the full article on Florida Hockey Now

NHL Trade: Will Panthers Target Kucherov? Don’t Bet on It

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