Nikita Kucherov reportedly wants to play with three specific NHL superstars, but one team stands out
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An NHL source says Nikita Kucherov wants McDavid, Matthews or Pastrnak and a big market, and Toronto is the realistic landing spot in free agency next summer.
Nikita Kucherov reportedly wants more than a fresh start.
An NHL source told RG.org the 33-year-old Lightning star wants to chase the scoring title every year while playing next to Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews or David Pastrnak, in a market big enough to keep him in the spotlight.
The timing matters. The reigning Hart Trophy winner reportedly told Tampa Bay he won't re-sign and asked to be traded, news first reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on Friday.
Why Toronto looks like the realistic fit
Of the three stars, the source pointed to Matthews as the one Kucherov could realistically join.
The catch is the route. The source said it would not come through a trade with Tampa Bay, and that he would simply head to Toronto once free agency opens.
"Toronto is the more realistic option," the source said. "Not a trade. He will just go there in the summer."
- NHL source
- NHL source
Kucherov is in the final year of an eight-year, $76 million contract with a $9.5 million cap hit, and he can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2027.
Matthews, the Maple Leafs captain, is signed through 2027-28.
Tampa says no trade is coming
General manager Julien BriseBois said in a team statement Friday night that the Lightning have no intention of moving him.
Coach Jon Cooper added Saturday that nothing has changed about the team's goals this season.
Kucherov is still suiting up. He had three assists in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Predators on Saturday and has 18 points through 13 games, with the Lightning sitting at 8-3-2.
He also became the franchise's all-time leading scorer on Oct. 24, passing Steven Stamkos.
Keep in mind this comes from one anonymous source, and the Lightning have shown no sign of budging.
Still, with the Leafs already tied to the story, this one is going to be a long winter of rumors for both fan bases.
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Maple Leafs trade sends star forward to Tampa Bay for Kucherov in latest blockbuster proposal
Maple Leafs trade sends star forward to Tampa Bay for Kucherov in latest blockbuster proposal