Deadspin: Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov blames GM as trade request sparks conflict
Kucherov explains his request
Kucherov made his first public comments Monday after requesting a trade over the weekend. He said the issue was not money, but poor communication and a lack of respect.
He told reporters that he and BriseBois had spoken twice in the past four months. Kucherov said the general manager had made clear he was free to leave on July 1 as an unrestricted free agent.
Lightning reject a trade
After the request became public, BriseBois said the Lightning would not grant it. In a statement posted on X by the club, he said the team had no intention of trading Kucherov. The forward has a modified no-trade clause that includes a list of 10 approved destinations.
Contract and career record
Kucherov is in the final season of an eight-year contract worth $9.5 million per season. The Russian winger is 33 and has spent his entire NHL career with Tampa Bay.
He has recorded 1,142 points in 892 NHL games, won two league MVP awards and three scoring titles, and lifted two Stanley Cups. He is the franchise’s points leader and the reigning Hart Trophy winner.
Key points
- Kucherov blamed communication and respect issues for his trade request.
- BriseBois said Tampa Bay had no intention of trading Kucherov.
- Kucherov is finishing an eight-year deal paying $9.5 million per season.
- He has 1,142 points in 892 NHL games, all with Tampa Bay.