Reigning MVP Kucherov requests trade from Lightning

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 31 Oct, 21:20 · Archive

Nikita Kucherov, the 2025-26 Hart Trophy winner, has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning and told the team he will not re-sign.

Nikita Kucherov, the 2025-26 Hart Trophy winner and two-time Stanley Cup champion, has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning after spending his entire 13-year NHL career with the team. He has also told the organisation and his teammates that he will not re-sign when his eight-year, $76 million deal expires at the end of the season, according to reports from SportsNet's Elliotte Friedman.

Kucherov does not have a full no-trade clause but has provided Tampa Bay with a list of ten approved destinations. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois stated on Friday night that the team has 'no intention of trading Nikita'. The 33-year-old Russian, who is the Lightning's all-time scoring leader, is currently second on the team with 15 points in 12 games this season.

Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said Saturday that Kucherov is '100 percent a part of this team' and 'committed' for this season, though he did not address Kucherov's plans beyond it. Kucherov was in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Predators. The trade request follows similar moves by other NHL stars, including Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, both of whom sought trades this season.

Reigning MVP Kucherov requests trade from Lightning — Image: New York Post

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How it is being reported

Lightning coach sheds new light on Nikita Kucherov trade drama — with cautionCooper said Saturday that Kucherov is "committed " to the current group, but the coach did not say anything about future seasons.New York Post · 31 Oct, 21:08
NHL's reigning MVP Nikita Kucherov reportedly asks Lightning for trade in stunning moveNikita Kucherov has reportedly asked the Tampa Bay Lightning to trade him and told teammates he will not re-sign after this season.Fox News · 31 Oct, 00:20
Reigning MVP Nikita Kucherov requests trade from Lightning in latest NHL twistAdd Nikita Kucherov to the list of disillusioned NHL stars.New York Post · 30 Oct, 23:50

In this story: Nikita Kucherov · Tampa Bay Lightning · Jon Cooper · Julien BriseBois

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