Lightning Release Statement: No Intention to Trade Nikita Kucherov

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun saw the statement from the team and reached out to Kucherov’s agent. The response he got suggests this might be a lot of buzz and little action, at least for some time.

LeBrun writes: “Reached out to Kucherov’s agent Dan Milstein in lieu of Julien BriseBois’ statement saying he has no intention of trading the Hart Trophy winner. Milstein: “Nikita has spoken to all the parties involved and there’s nothing else to add at this time.”

What Does This All Mean for the Lightning and Kucherov?

A couple of scenarios may be at play here. One, Kucherov might be trying to leverage the Lightning for more money. Negotiations between the Lightning and his camp have not been going well and the two sides are far apart. He wants $20 million or more per season. The Lightning have apparently offered $15 million. If he says he wants a trade, he might be trying to force Tampa’s hand.

Then again, if things have gone sideways and this relationship is over, perhaps no amount of money matters to Kucherov now. Telling his teammates he’s leaving puts him in a tricky spot if he’s trying to play hardball. Sharing the news suggests he’s not bluffing. That puts both sides in an awkward spot.

The Lightning say they won’t trade him. Kucherov might have meant it when he said he won’t be staying. It’s a waiting game now. The Lightning could try to make a playoff run with Kucherov in the fold, but they risk letting him walk away for no return in July. Why would Tampa go that route if they can get a huge return in a trade? This could be the Lightning trying to take a position of strength, knowing the inevitable is still a trade.