NHL Rumors: Nikita Kucherov is Serious About Going to Free Agency

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov is reportedly serious about entering free agency rather than using the situation as a negotiation tactic, according to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman. Speaking on NHL Tonight, Friedman reported that contacts and former teammates around Kucherov believe the star forward has genuinely decided to leave Tampa Bay after contract negotiations stalled.

Kucherov's agent, Dan Milstein, indicated that it was time to move on following unproductive contract discussions over the summer. While general manager Julien BriseBois and the Lightning have yet to fully address the situation publicly, Friedman noted that announcing his intentions seemingly lifted a heavy burden from Kucherov, who recorded six points in three games shortly afterward.