Nikita Kucherov reveals what really sparked his trade request from the Lightning
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Nikita Kucherov says his trade request came from poor communication and respect, not money, and claims Julien BriseBois spoke with him just twice in four months.
Nikita Kucherov has finally given his side of the story, and it paints a different picture than most people assumed.
The Lightning superstar says his trade request came down to poor communication and a lack of respect, not a fight over dollars.
Kucherov also said general manager Julien BriseBois spoke with him only twice over the past four months.
"Poor communication and respect.”
“It was never about the money for me.”
- Nikita Kucherov
“It was never about the money for me.”
- Nikita Kucherov
For a player in the final year of an eight-year, $76 million contract, that is a long stretch of silence while his future hung in the air.
The timing fits what Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday.
He said the slow pace of negotiations mattered more than the money itself.
Chris Johnston of The Athletic had reported that Kucherov wanted a six-year deal around $20 million per season, so the gap was real.
This version suggests the way it was handled stung just as much.
What the Lightning have said so far
BriseBois responded Friday night with a statement saying Tampa Bay has no intention of trading its franchise player.
Coach Jon Cooper added on Saturday that Kucherov remains fully part of the team.
Kucherov kept playing and picked up three assists in a 5-4 shootout loss in Nashville, though he passed on a postgame interview.
Where this goes from here
The reigning Hart Trophy winner holds a modified no-trade clause and can approve a list of 10 teams.
Friedman floated Toronto and Montreal as possible fits, but Kevin Bieksa quickly pushed back on that idea during the same broadcast.
A 33-year-old who just passed Steven Stamkos for the franchise points lead is not asking out lightly, and a contract number alone may not fix what he says was broken.
The Lightning host Detroit on Tuesday, and every shift from Kucherov will be watched closely.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
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