Kucherov Seeks Trade, Citing Communication Breakdown

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov said he requested a trade because he felt disrespected by limited contact with general manager Julien BriseBois. Kucherov said the two had spoken only twice over the previous four months, and that BriseBois had told him he could leave when his contract expires July 1. Kucherov said the issue was communication, not money.

The 33-year-old is playing out the last year of a contract worth $76 million, signed in 2018. He is due to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Kucherov said he remains grateful to Tampa Bay, where he has spent his career since being drafted, won two Stanley Cups and raised his family.

Kucherov has 18 points in 13 games this season, leading a Lightning team with a 7-3-2 record. He became the franchise’s career points leader last month. Across his NHL career, he has won the Hart Trophy twice and led the league in scoring three times.

BriseBois said last week that the team had no intention of trading Kucherov. In September, the general manager said he hoped to sign the winger to a long-term extension and keep him with the team. Kucherov said he had told his teammates about the request himself and would continue doing what he could to help Tampa Bay win.