Insider Elliotte Friedman says Tampa Bay’s star winger Nikita Kucherov requested a trade not over money but frustration with stalled negotiations. The 33‑year‑old Hart Trophy winner, who has only started twice in 13 games, reportedly sought a six‑year, $20 million AAV extension, and grew weary feeling he isn’t a priority after the Stamkos deal. Friedman believes the Lightning will let the situation simmer, hoping Kucherov reconsiders, and notes no trade list has been filed yet.
The November 2026 edition of Around the NHL highlights two big stories. Seattle trades former #4 overall pick Shane Wright to the Nashville Predators for 2023 first‑rounder Matthew Wood; Wright has 4 points in 14 games and a $886,666 cap hit, while Wood has 3 points in 14 games after a 17‑goal season. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov declares he won’t re‑sign, requesting a trade that the Lightning aren’t pursuing, and his teammates, including Victor Hedman and Brayden Point, say they’ll stay out of his business. The piece also notes the Lightning’s shootout loss to the Predators and the Canadiens as a likely free‑agent destination for Kucherov.
The Devils trade deadline keeps moving as GM Sunny Mehta sends goaltender Rémi Poirier to Washington for a 2027 seventh‑round pick, cleaning up cap space and leaving Hellebuyck and Jake Allen as the NHL‑roster netminders. Meanwhile, defenseman Luke Hughes is on a historic tear with five goals in 14 games, on pace to shatter the franchise record of 22 goals by a blueliner. The club sits 9‑5‑0, strong on the road (7‑0‑0), and prepares to face the Oilers on Nov. 3. The post also notes Detroit’s Larkin suspension, Edvinsson’s pending RFA signing, and a bold trade plea for Nikita Kucherov from a Lightning analyst.
Nikita Kucherov has told the Tampa Bay Lightning he won’t re‑sign, but GM Julien BriseBois insists the club won’t trade their star this season. Still, Kucherov’s 10‑team trade list highlights five likely suitors: the Montreal Canadiens (potentially involving prospect Michael Hage), the Toronto Maple Leafs (with Easton Cowan and Ben Danford), the Carolina Hurricanes (offering Jackson Blake or Andrei Svechnikov), the Dallas Stars (including pending free‑agent Jason Robertson), and the San Jose Sharks (adding Will Smith, Macklin Celebrini and prospects like Ivar Stenberg or Michael Misa). While no deal is imminent, the article outlines each team’s possible assets and why they fit Kucherov’s style.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that Lightning MVP Nikita Kucherov is open to a trade, with Toronto Maple Leafs on his 10‑team approved list. Former Lightning teammates Darren Raddysh and Nick Paul say they would gladly welcome Kucherov to Toronto, highlighting his work ethic and the chemistry they shared – Raddysh netted a career‑high 22 goals last season, many set up by Kucherov. The Leafs, fresh off a 4‑2 win over Vancouver, see the winger as a potential game‑changer, while fans await any developments.
Sportsnet Insider reveals the Carolina Hurricanes tried to sign Detroit defenseman Simon Edvinsson before trading him, a move first made under former GM Steve Yzerman and now stalled, leaving the Swede reportedly seeking a trade as November begins. Meanwhile, the Red Wings face a crucial Florida road trip against the Panthers and Lightning, both three points ahead at 18. In college news, Red Wings prospect JP Hurlbert scores his second goal of the season, helping Michigan beat Ohio State 5-4 in overtime and showcasing his potential for a larger role.
Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov shocked the league by requesting a trade ahead of free agency, prompting speculation on his next destination. While GM Julien Brisebois resists the idea, three realistic suitors emerge: the Seattle Kraken, eager for top‑six scoring and offering two first‑round picks; the San Jose Sharks, who could pair Kucherov with rising phenom Macklin Celebrini to boost a near‑playoff team; and the Montreal Canadiens, fresh off a 2026 Eastern Conference Finals run and in need of elite firepower to push past the Carolina Hurricanes. The article weighs each club’s assets, playoff outlook, and fit for Kucherov’s talents.
In the 48 hours since Nikita Kucherov announced he won’t re‑sign with Tampa Bay and has requested a trade, the Lightning have already taken the ice. Kucherov recorded three assists in the team’s four‑goal shootout loss to the Nashville Predators, showing he’s still performing at his usual elite level. The article examines what his trade demand means for Tampa Bay’s roster and playoff outlook.
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov has formally asked to be traded, putting the NHL market on edge. The New York Rangers emerge as possible suitors, but Kucherov’s “modified” no‑trade clause and his reluctance to join the Blueshirts could stall any deal. With only $4.4 million of cap space and a $9.5 million cap hit for the 2026‑27 season, New York would need to fit Kucherov into a tight budget before re‑signing him to a top‑of‑market contract that he reportedly rejected from Tampa Bay. The trade hinges on both the Lightning’s willingness to move him and Kucherov’s final approval.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have enjoyed great success recently, but Bolts GM Julien BriseBois is showing he won't just hand his team's icons a blank check on their next contract. Tampa moved on from Steven Stamkos, and now they're doing so with Nikita Kucherov. Are the Lightning the Vegas of the East?
Dylan Larkin, the suspended former Detroit Red Wings captain, may revise his trade list within the next 24‑48 hours, tightening Detroit's options. Currently, Larkin’s list includes the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, Utah Mammoth and Carolina Hurricanes. Elliotte Friedman notes he could drop teams like Vegas and Florida and add new suitors such as the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres or New York Rangers. Minnesota remains the frontrunner, while Larkin’s decision to sit out the 2026‑27 season—prompting an unpaid suspension—adds urgency to the trade saga.
Tampa Bay's reported contract offer to Nikita Kucherov sparks criticism.
Insider Kevin Weekes reveals that the Tampa Bay Lightning’s initial contract offer to Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov was about $13 million AAV, which was upped to $15 million after Leo Carlsson’s $18 million offer sheet and Cale Makar’s $20.4 million deal. Despite a strong rapport with coach Jon Cooper, Kucherov has told teammates he won’t re‑sign in Tampa and will play out his current deal, expiring after the 2026‑27 season, before hitting unrestricted free agency. The negotiation meeting in Nashville included Kucherov, agent Dan Milstein, GM Julien Brisebois and Cooper.
Nikita Kucherov will continue to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning until the trade situation is resolved but how long will it last.
Nikita Kucherov will continue to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning until the trade situation is resolved but how long will it last.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov sent the NHL world into a frenzy after it was reported that he requested a trade and wouldn’t re-sign with the team. It was…
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reveals that Tampa Bay star Nikita Kucherov, who has a ten‑team trade list, would consider a move to Montreal or Toronto if presented with a suitable package. Friedman broke the news that Kucherov told Lightning GM Julien Brisebois he won’t extend his contract and wants a trade, though the Lightning publicly deny any intention to move him. Agent Dan Milstein stays silent but hints at Kucherov’s disappointment after becoming the franchise’s all‑time point leader. The 33‑year‑old winger, in the final year of a $76 million deal, is reportedly seeking a contract on the level of Kirill Kaprizov’s $136 million pact.
Is it possible the Nikita Kucherov could change his mind about wanting a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning? He's a proud guy and he may not back down.
Is it possible the Nikita Kucherov could change his mind about wanting a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning? He's a proud guy and he may not back down.
The Detroit Red Wings have recalled left‑winger John Leonard from the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins for their upcoming Florida road trip against the Panthers and Lightning. Leonard, 28, has tallied five goals in six Griffin games this season and finished last year with 33 goals in 47 AHL contests, earning a spot on the AHL Second All‑Star Team. He previously posted 80 goals over two seasons, including a 36‑goal campaign with the Charlotte Checkers. Detroit signs him to a one‑year, $850,000 extension, boosting the roster to the 23‑player limit and adding depth to a forward line still searching for scoring targets.
Superstar Nikita Kucherov has reportedly placed the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens among the teams he would consider if Tampa Bay Lightning ever trades him, despite the Lightning’s firm denial they’ll move the Hart Trophy winner. Elliotte Friedman cites Kucherov’s 10‑team trade list from his final year of a $76 million contract. Former teammates Darren Raddysh and Nick Paul reacted with surprise, while Jeff Marek previously imagined a Kucherov‑to‑Montréal move. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois and coach Jon Cooper stress Kucherov’s commitment to Tampa, and former player Kevin Bieksa doubts any intra‑division trade would happen.
The Boston Bruins snap a two‑game slide with a dramatic comeback, rallying from two goals down in the third to beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4‑3 in overtime. Morgan Geekie scores with 10.2 seconds left, and Elias Lindholm nets the OT winner—his first as a Bruin—while David Pastrnak moves into sole possession of third place on the franchise’s all‑time goal list (428). Elsewhere, Nikita Kucherov’s trade request dominates Lightning headlines, with reports that Montreal and Toronto are top targets, while Detroit’s Dylan Larkin faces criticism amid an unresolved trade list. The recap also touches on the Devils’ 9‑5‑0 start, the Canadiens thriving without Nick Suzuki, and the Sharks’ struggle after a 5‑1 loss to Ottawa.
The Montreal Canadiens have spent the last few years assembling one of the most promising young cores in the NHL. However, with the team looking increasingly competitive, the possibility of adding an established superstar is becoming an interesting discussion. Following the bombshell surrounding Nikita Kucherov and his future with the Tampa Bay Lightning, one question is worth asking, what if the Russian superstar eventually becomes available? While a trade remains highly unlikely, Montreal po...
The Devils enjoy a night off while the NHL buzzes with trade drama. Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov tells the Lightning he wants out, but Tampa Bay says “no trade,” and reports say he’d consider Toronto or Montreal. Meanwhile New Jersey sits 9‑5‑0, with rookie Alex Gritsyuk shooting 22.9% and netting eight goals, and goalie Juuse Hellebuyck posting a .923 save percentage. The team’s power play struggles (7‑for‑42) and a 3‑3‑0 road record contrast with a 6‑2‑0 home run. Upcoming: Devils vs. Oilers on Nov 3 and the Blues visiting Prudential Center on Nov 5.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has a 10‑team trade list that includes the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. Kucherov, the reigning Hart Trophy winner, reportedly turned down a four‑year, $15 million‑per‑year extension and may be seeking $20 million annually. Toronto could lure him with a package featuring a Colorado first‑round pick and a prospect like Easton Cowan or Ben Danford, while Montreal offers ample first‑round picks and prospects. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois says the team has no intention of trading Kucherov, but the saga could unfold over weeks.