6 landing spots for Nikita Kucherov after Lightning star requested trade

The news that Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade away from the only organization he has ever known in the NHL sent shockwaves around the league on Friday night. 

Kucherov reportedly plans to keep playing for the Lightning until a trade is complete, and it remains to be seen when (or if) they work to grant his request.

Given that he has made it known he will not re-sign with the team, there is some incentive for the Lightning to move him before he leaves as an unrestricted free agent this summer.

So let's start looking at potential destinations.

ESPN's Emily Kaplan noted on Friday night that Kucherov might have his sights set on playing alongside one of the league's top superstars. It's a subjective term, and the definition of "superstar" will change from person to person.

Along with that, you also have to think legitimate contenders. He is not doing this to go to a rebuilding team or fringe contender.

So let's try to piece all of this together and look at six teams that might make sense.

Vegas Golden Knights

Do they have a top superstar? Arguably, yes, with Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner.

Why they might make sense: Vegas loves blockbusters, and it loves big names. If there is a star player available, just assume the Golden Knights will find a way to get involved. Vegas already has $98 million committed to the salary cap for next season, but could easily shed money to fit in an extension. It's clearly a win-now team, and Kucherov is a win-now player.

Is it a match for Tampa Bay? In terms of young players? No. In terms of veteran players in a pure hockey trade? Perhaps. William Karlsson, Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin are all players who could make sense for the Lightning, while also helping to make the salary cap work. Vegas also has two future first-round picks. 

Colorado Avalanche

Do they have a top superstar? Absolutely. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

Why they might make sense: The Avalanche don't really need Kucherov, but would they really pass up the opportunity to make a run at him if he wanted to play with a superstar? Colorado has also become a little stale in its recent playoff runs and might be willing to take a bold swing to change that.

Is it a match for Tampa Bay? Colorado has no first-round picks over the next three years and a bad farm system, so that will be problematic. But would the Avs trade somebody like a Martin Necas? Or a Devon Toews? Colorado acquired Necas for its own superstar who was set to leave a couple of years (Mikko Rantanen), would it dangle him to acquire another? Doubtful. But it's a thought. 

Minnesota Wild

Do they have a top superstar? Yes, in Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes (for now).

Why they might make sense: This might be an all-in sort of year for the Wild given the uncertainty around Hughes and his contract. While center is a bigger immediate need, there will not be a better player available than Kucherov. That is a needle-mover.

Is it a match for Tampa Bay? Minnesota has all its future first-round picks, but it gutted a lot of its prospect pool to acquire Hughes a year ago. Unless Tampa Bay envisions those first-round picks as future trade chips (which it almost certainly would), it might be tough to piece together a deal.

Dallas Stars

Do they have a top superstar: They have really good players (Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen, Wyatt Johnston, Roope Hintz), but they may not qualify as "superstars."

Why they might make sense: Another team, like Minnesota, that should be all-in season this given the uncertainty around Robertson's future. There is also the possibility that if Robertson is determined to leave, Kucherov could be their long-term answer. Or both could leave.

Is it a match for Tampa Bay? The Stars have 2027 and 2029 first-round picks, but a thin farm system. Could defenseman Thomas Harley be an option?

Carolina Hurricanes

Do they have a top superstar? No. It's a team where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. But they are the defending champs, and that goes a long way.

Why they might be interested: They looking to repeat as champions, have salary-cap space to spare and four first-round picks over the next three years.

Is it a match for Tampa Bay? In terms of assets, yes. Carolina has picks, young forward talent and a young defenseman in Alexander Nikishin. The question would be whether or not owner Thomas Dundon would pay Kucherov long-term, and if Carolina wants to risk a rental leaving. They got burned with Jake Guentzel. They had to trade Rantanen shortly after acquiring him. 

Montreal Canadiens

Do they have a top superstar? Depends on how much you like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, but probably not.

Why they might be interested: It is a team on the rise with one of the best young cores in the league but might need another star-level player to bring it all together.  

Is it a match for Tampa Bay? Would you want to trade a franchise icon within your own division when you might have to see him in the playoffs? The divisional trade tax here would have to be huge.