One of the greatest players in Tampa Bay Lightning history may soon be wearing a different uniform. According to Sportsnet, Nikita Kucherov told the Lightning that he would not extend his contract and requested a trade.
A two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Hart Trophy winner as league MVP, Kucherov is one of the best players of his era. The 33-year-old passed the legendary Steven Stamkos for the all-time franchise lead and shows no signs of slowing down.
Last season, Kucherov scored 44 goals and had 86 assists on his way to winning his second Hart Trophy. His underlying numbers were even better, with a five-for-five goal differential of plus-38 and an expected field goal percentage of 57.0 percent. Only a select few players can control the game from the wing like Kucherov, making him something of a unicorn.
Kucherov is in the final year of a contract that pays him $9.5 million per season, and with the salary cap skyrocketing, he should receive a big raise next summer. Kucherov and Ildırım seemed to be far apart in this number, so the superstar winger turned his attention to a change of scenery.
It’s important to note that Kucherov has limited trade protection in the form of a 10-team trade list, but that should be more than enough for the Lightning to find a suitable trade partner. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five teams that would be an ideal fit for Kucherov as he prepares for the next chapter of his illustrious career.
Montreal Canadiens
Right out of the gate, it’s the most natural fit of all the potential landing spots. General manager Kent Hughes has done a great job of locking his young core into team-friendly deals, resulting in the Canadiens having close to $30 million in cap space projected for next season. They also need brilliance in the front two, and I’d say the Hart Trophy winner will fill that role very nicely.
Montreal’s moment to strike is now. This is an up-and-coming team with a high salary cap and assets to spend. It was time to make a leap and it would be a tsunami. Imagine Kucherov in a powerhouse with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov. Kucherov would also be coached by former Lightning teammate Martin St. Louis, so a player-coach relationship would already exist. I expect the Canadians to do everything in their power to land Kucherov.
Minnesota Wild
We already know the Wild are in the hunt for a big play, as they have been heavily linked to former Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. If I were advising general manager Bill Guerin — and of course I’m not — I’d recommend the Minnesota package the assets he offers in Detroit and direct them to Tampa Bay. No, Kucherov is not a center, and that’s the biggest need the Wild have.
However, Kucherov is a rare winger in that he can control the game from the wing better than most first-line centers. Line him up with Kirill Kaprizov, and opponents will touch the puck when they take it off the net.
With Quinn Hughes also out of contract, acquiring Kucherov would be a risky move for the Wild. What if they give up premium assets next summer only to lose Kucherov and Hughes? I don’t think fear can dictate Minnesota’s decisions. The team currently has two of the best defensemen in the world on its roster and has the opportunity to land a top-five forward. Worry about next summer when the time comes. Do everything to win the Cup while you have the chance.
Carolina Hurricanes
It was no secret that the Hurricanes were in the Connor Hellebuyck lottery, but just missed out. So if they can’t get better at preventing goals, why can’t they get better at scoring them? Carolina doesn’t need any help on offense, but the addition of Kucherov will go a long way toward helping the team repeat as Stanley Cup champions. Additionally, Kucherov would provide another level of playmaking and finishing that the Canes don’t currently have on their roster.
Carolina already has plenty of cap space and doesn’t need to free up much cap space to make room for Kucherov. The Canes have some intriguing young players on their roster that could attract the Bolts, and they have three first-round picks in the next two drafts. Why not try shooting a superstar winger?
The Utah Mammoth
Similar to the Hurricanes, Mammoth Hellebucyk was a mess to get, and for good reason. The goaltending tandem of Karel Vejmelka and Sebastian Kossa hasn’t been great, so Utah may have to ride out its woes until one of the goaltenders finds a groove. The offense may be the best defense for the Mammoths — and if so — Kucherov should be in the mix for the Norris Trophy. Salt Lake City has a great core of young forwards, and I think Kucherov will fit in perfectly with Logan Cooley, who has emerged as a franchise center.
Utah also has plenty of draft capital to work with and is projected to have just over $25 million in salary cap space next season. The Mammoths don’t have any major pending free agents on their cap sheet, so they can afford to sign Kucherov to a long-term deal.
Dallas Stars
In the fifth and final destination, allow yourself to be a little daring. The Stars have already failed to sign 27-year-old winger Jason Robertson to a long-term extension once. The two sides agreed to a one-year contract worth $12 million before the season, but Robertson’s future with the team is still very much in doubt. What if Dallas and Tampa Bay made a true “hockey trade” – a player for a player?
Dallas would get a better player in Kucherov, but there’s no guarantee of an extension. The Stars are now in winning mode and Kucherov can help them clinch the trophy right away. Tampa Bay would be getting a younger player in Robertson, and while he may not have the elite playmaking ability of Kucherov, he is still an exceptionally talented scorer. Perhaps the Bolts will be able to add him to the starting lineup and sign him to a multi-year contract. This arrangement can work for both parties.