Nikita Kucherov requests trade from Tampa Bay Lightning ahead of free agency
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 30, 2026, 11:46 PM
Last updated Oct 30, 2026
Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning, informing his teammates while on the team plane. The star winger will not re-sign with the Lightning as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Kucherov, a two-time Hart Trophy winner, has played his entire NHL career in Tampa Bay, contributing to their two Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021. The Lightning are scheduled to face the Nashville Predators in Tennessee on Saturday.
- •Kucherov informed teammates of his trade request on the team plane.
- •He will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
- •Kucherov is a two-time Hart Trophy winner and key player for the Lightning.
- •He has played his entire NHL career with Tampa Bay since 2011.
- •The Lightning play the Predators on Saturday.
- 12:34 AMESPN — Sources: Hart winner Kucherov, 33, requests trade from Lightning
- 11:35 PMYahoo Sports — 5 Nikita Kucherov landing spots as he requests Lightning trade
- 11:18 PMYahoo Sports — Lightning star Nikita Kucherov reportedly requests trade from Tampa Bay
"Tampa Bay Lightning star forward Nikita Kucherov, 33, who is in the final year of an eight year, $76 million contract, has requested a trade from a club he led to two Stanley Cup titles, sources told ESPN on Friday night, confirming an earlier report.
"Superstar forward Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Here are some possible landing spots.
"Kucherov reportedly told his Tampa Bay teammates about his request while on the team plane on Friday.
Sources
External links- ESPNOct 31, 2026, 12:34 AMSources: Hart winner Kucherov, 33, requests trade from Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning star forward Nikita Kucherov, 33, who is in the final year of an eight year, $76 million contract, has requested a trade from a club he led to two Stanley Cup titles, sources told ESPN on Friday night, confirming an earlier report.
- Yahoo SportsOct 30, 2026, 11:35 PM5 Nikita Kucherov landing spots as he requests Lightning trade
Superstar forward Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Here are some possible landing spots.
- Yahoo SportsOct 30, 2026, 11:18 PMLightning star Nikita Kucherov reportedly requests trade from Tampa Bay
Kucherov reportedly told his Tampa Bay teammates about his request while on the team plane on Friday.
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