Nikita Kucherov Asks Tampa Bay Lightning for Trade
Tampa Bay Lightning star forward Nikita Kucherov has informed the team he will not re-sign and has requested a trade. The 33-year-old winger is in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract that carries a $9.5 million cap hit. Kucherov broke the news to his teammates on the team flight to Nashville ahead of a game against the Nashville Predators.
Contract Year Friction and Career Milestones in Tampa Bay
The trade request arrives shortly after Kucherov surpassed longtime teammate Steven Stamkos to become the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Kucherov has spent his entire 14-year NHL career in Tampa Bay, recording 405 goals and 1,139 points in 891 career games. Negotiations between the team and Kucherov’s camp remained far apart, leading to a meeting Friday where the player stated his desire to play elsewhere. With the league’s rising salary cap, Kucherov is due for a significant raise over his current $9.5 million average annual value.
Nikita Kucherov tells the Lightning he won't re-sign and asks for a trade. @FriedgeHNIC was first. Story: https://t.co/lMqbbchRIl
Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois praised Kucherov’s abilities during a training camp news conference last month, calling him a historically great player. BriseBois and agent Dan Milstein did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Through the team’s 8-3-1 start this season, Kucherov has recorded four goals and 11 assists for 15 points in 12 games.
Trade Clauses and Precedent Across the National Hockey League
Kucherov holds a modified no-trade clause that allows him to submit a list of 10 approved destinations for the Lightning to work with. The forward has his sights set on playing alongside one of the NHL’s other top superstars. Kucherov joins Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin as the latest NHL star to seek a mid-season trade from his team.
The uncertainty threatens a franchise run that includes back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021. Tampa Bay has suffered four straight first-round playoff exits. Kucherov’s departure would follow the exit of Stamkos, who signed with the Nashville Predators in free agency in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nikita Kucherov Trade Request
When did Nikita Kucherov ask for a trade?
Kucherov and his agent, Dan Milstein, informed Tampa Bay Lightning management of the trade request on Friday. Kucherov then broke the news to his teammates later that day while on the team flight to Nashville.
What are the terms of Nikita Kucherov’s current contract?
Kucherov is playing in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract signed in 2018. The deal carries a $9.5 million average annual value and includes a modified no-trade clause allowing him to submit a list of 10 approved teams.
What trophies has Nikita Kucherov won with the Lightning?
Kucherov won the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP in 2018-19 and 2025-26. He is also a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner and a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having won titles with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021.
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