Latest news and updates about the Lightning
After a back‑and‑forth victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, the Tampa Bay Lightning head to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for a one‑game road swing on October 31 at 1:00 PM local time. Fans can catch the matchup via The Spot, Scripps, ESPN+, or 102.5 The Bone. The preview highlights the Lightning's forecheck strategy and odds heading into the game against the Nashville Predators.
The Islanders return home for a Halloween 2:00 p.m. matinee after a surprising 2‑1 road stretch, picking up shootout and 3‑on‑3 points in Nashville and Minnesota. They face Connor McDavid’s squad, with Quinn Hughes praising 19‑year‑old star Cale Schaefer as a future top‑five talent. The piece also notes Nikita Kucherov’s trade request and links to Halloween events at Belmont and episode 2 of “On The Island.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning receive word that star winger Nikita Kucherov will not re‑sign and wants a trade, sparking speculation ahead of the deadline. Meanwhile, Toronto’s Chris Tanev confirms he’s fit to return against the Vancouver Canucks, with rookie Dakota Joshua set to debut and Bo Groulx likely out. Vancouver places Filip Chytil on injured reserve and calls up ex‑Leaf Jacob Quillan. In Toronto, 18‑year‑old Gavin McKenna nets his first two‑goal game (five goals, 11 points in 15 matches) and Jack Roslovic emerges as a top‑line winger after a strong start to the season.
Tampa Bay Lightning GM released a statement saying they have no intention of trading Nikita Kucherov, but that hasn't stopped the speculation.
Tampa Bay Lightning GM released a statement saying they have no intention of trading Nikita Kucherov, but that hasn't stopped the speculation.
Two-time Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov tells the Tampa Bay Lightning he will not re‑sign and has asked for a trade, sources say. The 33‑year‑old, entering the final year of his $9.5 million contract, posted a career‑high 44 goals, 86 assists and a +43 rating in 2025‑26, earning his second MVP award. Kucherov, the Lightning’s all‑time points leader with 1,139 (405‑734), also holds franchise records for assists, plus/minus and power‑play assists. While general manager Julien BriseBois says the team has no intention of moving him, the trade request adds drama to the Lightning’s offseason.
The Russian playmaker has asked to be moved from the only NHL team’s ever played for.
Nikita Kucherov stunned the Tampa Bay Lightning and the hockey world at large on Friday. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the superstar Russian winger has told the Lightning organization that he won’t re-sign with Tampa Bay and wants to be traded. Per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Kucherov also informed his teammates that he wants out while
Nikita Kucherov told teammates and Tampa Bay Lightning management that he won't be re-sign with the team and that he wants a trade.
Nikita Kucherov told teammates and Tampa Bay Lightning management that he won't be re-sign with the team and that he wants a trade.
Just a day after fans cheered Nikita Kucherov’s record‑breaking rise to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s all‑time points lead, reports from Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggest the star forward has asked to be traded. The rumor, which surfaced on October 31, 2026, hints that the future Hall of Famer may be on his way out of Tampa despite his recent milestone celebration. Details remain scarce, but the claim could signal a seismic shift for the Lightning heading into the upcoming season.
Nikita Kucherov reportedly wants to leave the Tampa Bay Lightning, potentially setting the stage for a blockbuster involving one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive players. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman writes…
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov has told the Tampa Bay Lightning he won’t re‑sign and is requesting a trade. With a ten‑team approved list and no full no‑trade clause, a bidding war is expected. The article examines Edmonton’s slim chances of assembling a competitive offer, noting that teams like Utah and Montreal have deeper assets. Only two unlikely scenarios could work for the Oilers: Kucherov forcing a move to join Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, or treating him as a rental and offering Matt Savoie plus multiple first‑round picks—still likely insufficient.
Nikita Kucherov, the 33‑year‑old right wing who helped Tampa Bay win two Stanley Cups and earned a second Hart Trophy last season, has told the Lightning he won’t re‑sign and wants a trade, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports. Entering the final year of his eight‑year, $76 million contract, Kucherov has posted 4 goals and 11 assists in 12 games this season, playing alongside Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel. Despite his elite playmaking, Tampa Bay’s power play ranks 27th in the league at 16.7% efficiency, adding urgency to the trade talks.
Nikita Kucherov, the NHL’s reigning MVP and Tampa Bay Lightning’s leading scorer, has formally requested a trade, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The 33‑year‑old, in the final year of his eight‑year, $76 million deal, told teammates and the organization he will not re‑sign, prompting a meeting between his agent Dan Milstein and GM Julien BriseBois. With Tampa posting an 8‑3‑1 record, the surprise request fuels speculation about destinations, with the Capitals, Kings, Rangers, Bruins, Hurricanes and Canadiens among potential suitors.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are facing a very tough decision regarding their star.
Nikita Kucherov, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 33‑year‑old superstar, reportedly told the club he will not re‑sign and wants a trade, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman (Oct. 30, 2026). The Art Ross and two‑time Hart winner has 405 goals, 1,139 points in 13 seasons, set the Lightning’s all‑time point record on Oct. 24, and tallies four goals and 15 points in his first 12 games this season. His availability makes him the top trade target for contending teams, while Detroit’s Dylan Larkin also sits out awaiting a deal. The article also notes Russia’s ice‑hockey federation being readmitted to international play by the CAS.
Nikita Kucherov tells the Tampa Bay Lightning he will not re‑sign and has requested a trade, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The 33‑year‑old right wing, reigning Hart Trophy winner with 44 goals, 86 assists and 130 points in 76 games last season, is a pending unrestricted free agent. Despite his MVP status, five‑year playoff streak, two Stanley Cups and franchise‑record points, negotiations have stalled. Neither Lightning GM Julien Brisebois nor agent Dan Milstein comment, leaving the league stunned at the possible departure of its top scorer.
Could the Detroit Red Wings trade Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson to Tampa Bay for Nikita Kucherov? Here's a blockbuster trade proposal.
Another superstar in the NHL has requested a trade, with reigning Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov reportedly wanting out of Tampa Bay.
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s power play, once a league‑top unit, sits at a low 16.3% conversion (7‑for‑43) and ranks 27th after 12 games, but recent stats hint at a resurgence. They’ve scored a power‑play goal in each of their last five games, highlighted by Anthony Cirelli’s second‑period tally in a 6‑4 win over Winnipeg. Key forwards Guentzel, Kucherov, Point and now increased‑minute Hagel dominate the man‑advantage, while defenseman Charle‑Edouard D’Astous has started most recent PP chances and contributed to five straight goals. With a matchup against the Predators’ strong penalty kill on Saturday, the Lightning aim to prove the revival is more than a flash in the pan.
Kucherov, the reigning Hart Trophy winner, has four goals and 15 points in 12 games this season.
NHL superstar Nikita Kucherov reportedly requests a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning and says he won't re-sign with the organization.
Nikita Kucherov is looking to leave the Tampa Bay Lightning after 13 seasons and two Stanley Cups with the franchise, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Friday.
Reigning MVP Nikita Kucherov shockingly tells the Tampa Bay Lightning he won’t re‑sign and requests a trade, according to Elliotte Friedman and multiple sources. The 33‑year‑old, a two‑time Hart Trophy winner and three‑time Art Ross champion, is entering the final year of his eight‑year, $76 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent after the season. While he helped the Bolts capture Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, contract expectations appear misaligned with the organization. The next move could unfold before the trade deadline or July 1.