NHL Rumors: Tampa Bay Lightning – Kucherov, Raddysh, and Cooper

Would the Tampa Bay Lightning consider trading Nikita Kucherov?

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: It was another first-round exit for the Tampa Bay Lightning, their fourth in a row. One executive thinks they lost their identity, and obviously, the Victor Hedman injury hurt, as well as the underperforming Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Another executive thinks they could be a little thin on the defensive depth.

Kucherov didn’t record a point in the final three games of the series. Would GM Julien BriseBois consider trading Kucherov? He’s got one more year left on his contract and only a 10-team no-trade list.

Kucherov will be 33 years old in June, and the Lightning’s plan is likely to extend him and not trade him. But BriseBois isn’t afraid to make a big move. There could be some big names on the move this offseason.

Eduardo A. Encina: Nikita Kucherov, when asked if he wants an extension in place before heading into next season: “You’re going to have to ask Julien. I’m not even thinking about it.”

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Darren Raddysh’s camp have shared some concepts

Eduardo A. Encina: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois on re-signing pending UFA defenseman Darren Raddysh: “The good news is he’s kept playing really well, so the sample size continues to grow. I have already reached out to his agent. We’ve been in touch throughout the second half of the year, just sharing concepts, ideas.”

Diandra Loux: Raddysh on the Lightning organization: “It’s given me everything that I’ve always wanted to do in my life. As for the business side, I think I’ll take some time and let those guys deal with that and just enjoy being a dad. Enjoy a little bit of summer and get back to that in a few weeks.”

Jon Cooper isn’t going anywhere

Elliotte Friedman: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois, when asked about Jon Cooper’s contract status: “He’s going to be here for a while.”