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Sports · October 30, 2026

Nikita Kucherov tells Lightning he won't re-sign and asks for a trade, AP source says

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Reigning NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov has reportedly informed the Tampa Bay Lightning that he will not sign a contract extension and has requested a trade. Currently in the final year of an eight-year, $76 million contract, the 33-year-old winger has spent his entire 13-year career with the franchise. While some reports indicate the Lightning have no intention of trading their star player, others suggest his trade protection includes a 10-team list of approved destinations. The request comes as Kucherov recently became the Lightning's all-time leading scorer.

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Reported by multiple outlets

  • Nikita Kucherov is the reigning Hart Trophy winner (MVP).
  • Kucherov informed the Tampa Bay Lightning he will not re-sign with the team.
  • Kucherov has requested a trade from the organization.
  • He is currently in the final year of an eight-year, $76 million contract.

Reported by only some outlets

  • General manager Julien BriseBois stated the team has 'unequivocally' no intention of trading Kucherov.
  • Kucherov has a 10-team list of approved trade destinations.
  • Kucherov recently passed Steven Stamkos for the Lightning's all-time points lead.
  • Kucherov is 33 years old.
  • The trade request was reportedly shared with Kucherov's teammates.

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