Kucherov Contract Talks Reach Impasse; Won't Sign, Requests Trade: Reports
By MIke Smith | Thunderstruck Sports
Nikita Kucherov told the Tampa Bay Lightning he won't re-sign with the team and is requesting a trade, according to multiple sources Friday evening.
Kucherov is in the final year of a seven-year, $9.5M AVV deal with the Lightning, and the team has been unable to reach an extension agreement with the Hart Trophy winner.
Both Kucherov's agent, Dan Milstein, and Lightning General Manager Julien Briebois declined to comment.
Thunderstruck Sports' calls to the Tampa Bay Lightning went unanswered.
Although the two sides have not reached an agreement, things seemed amicable between Kucherov and the Lightning. Conversations suggested that both Kucherov and Tampa Bay hoped he would stay in Tampa for years to come.
Kucherov became the team's all-time scoring leader last weekend, passing longtime friend Steven Stamkos with his 1,138th career point on Saturday in Utah. The Bolts celebrated and saluted the two-time Hart Trophy winner at last night's game against the Winnipeg Jets.
The mood appears to have soured in the hours since.
Sportsnet's Elliot Friedman first reported the rumors circling around Benchmark International Arena just before 7 pm Friday night.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that Kucherov and Milstein met with BriseBois, advising that the two-time Stanley Cup Champion was asking for a trade. Kucherov told his teammates on the plane headed to Nashville for tomorrow's game with the Predators.
Kucherov plans to keep playing for the Lightning as the situation plays out. He does not have a full no-trade clause in his contract, but he does have a modified no-trade clause with a 10-team list of approved teams.
Kucherov is a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner as the NHL's leading scorer (2018-19, 2023-24, and 2024-25). Drafted by the Lightning in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft (58th Overall), he's been a pivotal part of the organization during the team's Stanley Cup runs.
He is currently second on the team in points behind Brandon Hagel with 15 points (4G, 11A).
UPDATE 10/30/2026 9:40 pm:
Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois released a statement Friday night through the organization:
"We are aware of the media reports regarding the future of Nikita Kucherov with the Lightning. We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita."
UPDATE 10/30/2026 9:45 pm
Pierre LeBrun spoke with Kucherov's agent, Dan Milstein, tonight.
UPDATE 10/30/2026 10:30 pm
Chris Johnson of The Athletic reports that Kucherov was asking for a six-year, $20M AVV, while Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period says the Lightning offered four years at $15M AVV.
Editor's Note: This is a fluid situation, and updates will be made as warranted.
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