Report: Nikita Kucherov Requests Trade From Tampa Bay Lightning

Keito Newman-Imagn ImagesKeito Newman-Imagn ImagesOct 30, 2026 11:15 PMPublished Oct 30, 2026 11:15 PMUpdated Oct 30, 2026 11:18 PMAnother superstar in the NHL has requested a trade, with reigning Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov reportedly wanting out of Tampa Bay.A Friday night bombshell just dropped in the NHL. Friedman added that the reasons for Kucherov's decision are unclear at this time. According to PuckPedia, Kucherov has a modified no-trade clause with a 10-team list of approved destinations. No teams have been formally revealed at this time.Related storiesThe reigning Hart Trophy winner is in the final season of an eight-year, $76-million contract ($9.5 million per season). The Lightning are currently third in the Atlantic Division with an 8-3-1 record.The 33-year-old was selected in the second round, 58th overall, of the 2011 NHL draft and is in the midst of his 14th season with the team. He has recorded over 100 points in six of those seasons, posting 120-plus in the past three years.Kucherov is one of the most decorated players in the game. The Russian winger has won two Hart trophies as league MVP, three Art Ross trophies as the scoring leader, along with back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2019-20 and 2020-21.For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.