What Happened
Nikita Kucherov has reportedly requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to Pro Hockey Rumors, following stalled contract discussions. Kucherov is in the final season of an eight-year, $76MM deal that carries a $9.5MM AAV. According to Elliotte Friedman, Kucherov wanted to be paid in the range of Kirill Kaprizov, who at the time was the league's highest-paid player at $17MM annually with Minnesota. Tampa Bay reportedly raised its offer from $13MM to $15MM AAV after recent market-setting deals, but the gap remains.
Key Details
- Kucherov is in the final season of an eight-year, $76MM contract with a $9.5MM AAV.
- According to Elliotte Friedman, Kucherov sought an AAV near Kirill Kaprizov's $17MM.
- Kevin Weekes reported Tampa Bay's original offer was $13MM AAV.
- Tampa Bay revised its offer to $15MM AAV after the Carlsson and Makar deals.
- AFP Analytics projects Kucherov's next contract at three years and $12MM AAV.
- Tampa Bay has reportedly indicated it will not trade Kucherov.
What It Means
Kucherov, 33, is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Hart Trophy winner and the Lightning's all-time points leader after passing Steven Stamkos. Tampa Bay's offers would represent a smaller share of the salary cap than his current deal did when it began in 2019-20, according to Pro Hockey Rumors, which suggests the club is weighing his age and possible regression against a rising market for star players.
What's Next
Tampa Bay has reportedly said it will not trade Kucherov, leaving the sides at a standoff as his contract runs down. Whether the Lightning increase their offer or Kucherov's request forces a move remains unresolved.