Elliotte Friedman reveals a major complication in a potential Nikita Kucherov trade
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Elliotte Friedman says teams believe Nikita Kucherov won't sign anywhere before July 1, which changes the math on any Lightning trade.
Any team hoping to trade for Nikita Kucherov and sign him long term may be chasing something that isn't coming.
On the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman said the league's impression is that the Lightning star won't sign anywhere before July 1, whether he is traded or not.
Friedman framed it as an impression rather than a certainty, and that distinction matters.
Still, it reshapes a trade saga that has dominated the week.
Re Nikita Kucherov: "The impression sure is...that he won't sign anywhere until July 1st."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
How it got here
Kucherov, 33, is in the final year of the eight-year, $9.5 million AAV contract he signed in 2018.
Last Friday, Friedman reported that Kucherov told the Lightning and his teammates he won't re-sign and wants to be traded.
TSN's Pierre LeBrun later reported he is seeking at least $20 million a year over six years, though Kucherov says money was never the issue.
He points to poor communication and respect, and says Julien BriseBois made clear he was free to walk on July 1.
What it means for suitors
Without an extension on the table, a trade becomes a rental, and rentals cost less.
Kucherov holds a modified no-trade clause with a 10-team list, and Friedman says he hasn't submitted one.
His agent, Dan Milstein, has said Kucherov will sign with a new club on July 1 regardless of when a deal happens.
Interested teams would be paying for a playoff run, not for the player's future.
Tampa's decision
BriseBois has reportedly shown no intention of trading him.
Jeff Marek floated a Steven Stamkos-style ending, where the Lightning keep Kucherov all season and let him leave in free agency.
The reigning MVP also posted a three-point night against Nashville on October 31, so his on-ice value hasn't faded.
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