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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedOctober 31, 2026Miami-Dade County

Nikita Kucherov informs Tampa Bay Lightning he will not re-sign and requests a trade

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

Reigning NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov told the Tampa Bay Lightning he will not re-sign with the team and requested a trade ahead of becoming an unrestricted free agent. Kucherov is currently playing in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract signed in 2018.

Professional SportsIce Hockey
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

Why It Matters

The departure of a franchise scoring leader and multi-time Stanley Cup champion threatens to disrupt the core roster of a team that has made the playoffs 12 times in 13 seasons.

Key Facts

  • Nikita Kucherov informed the Tampa Bay Lightning that he will not re-sign with the team.
  • Kucherov has formally asked the team for a trade.
  • He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the current season.
  • Kucherov is finishing an eight-year, $76 million contract signed in 2018.
  • He has won the Stanley Cup twice with Tampa Bay, led the NHL in scoring three times, and won the Hart Trophy in 2018-19 and 2025-26.
  • Kucherov recently became the franchise's career points leader, passing Steven Stamkos.
  • He has recorded 1,139 points in 891 regular-season games since debuting in 2013.
  • General manager Julien BriseBois stated last month that the team's goal was to sign Kucherov to a long-term extension.

Who's Mentioned

PersonJulien BriseBois“General manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning”PersonAndrei Vasilevskiy“Tampa Bay goaltender”PersonSteven Stamkos“Former Tampa Bay captain”PersonBrayden Point“Tampa Bay center”PersonDylan Larkin“Player with Detroit”OrganizationSportsnet“Media outlet that first reported the news”PersonNikita Kucherov“Tampa Bay Lightning winger who asked for a trade”PersonBrady Tkachuk“Player who moved from Ottawa to Florida”PersonConnor McDavid“Edmonton player”PersonBrandon Hagel“Tampa Bay Lightning player leading the team in scoring”PersonDan Milstein“Kucherov's agent”OrganizationThe Associated Press“News agency reporting the development”OrganizationTampa Bay Lightning“NHL team where Kucherov plays”PersonNathan MacKinnon“Colorado player”PersonVictor Hedman“Tampa Bay core player”PersonConnor Hellebuyck“Player who moved from Winnipeg to New Jersey”