Lightning Have Little Incentive to Move Kucherov

Nestor Quixtan of HEAVY reports that the Tampa Bay Lightning have little incentive to trade superstar forward Nikita Kucherov despite his recent trade request. General manager Julien BriseBois reportedly informed interested clubs that Tampa Bay will not trade Kucherov now or at the trade deadline. Insiders note that the organization prefers pursuing another Stanley Cup rather than trading away a top offensive contributor for draft assets.

Kucherov requested a trade citing communication issues with BriseBois, though he committed to competing fully while under contract. The 33-year-old winger is in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract and holds a 10-team approved trade list. While the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens were cited by Elliotte Friedman as potential destinations, no active negotiations are underway.