Kucherov reportedly requests trade from Lightning

Nikita Kucherov has informed his teammates and the Tampa Bay Lightning that he will not re-sign and would like to be traded, according to multiple sources. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the news on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Kucherov, 33, is in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract and holds a 10-team modified no-trade clause. He has 15 points in 12 games this season and recently passed Steven Stamkos as the franchise's all-time leading scorer. In 13 seasons with Tampa Bay he has 1,139 points. He is the reigning Hart Trophy winner, a two-time Hart winner, three-time Art Ross champion, two-time Ted Lindsay Award winner, and two-time Stanley Cup champion. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois and agent Dan Milstein declined to comment. Friedman said the exact reasons are unclear. The Hockey News pointed to a possible Islanders fit under Mathieu Darche, formerly a Lightning assistant GM, citing the club's need for a star alongside Matthew Schaefer. Other outlets floated landing spots including Montreal and a Hurricanes framework. Whether Tampa Bay moves him, and where, remains unresolved.