Nikita Kucherov's reported feelings about his Lightning teammates reveal deeper trade frustration
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A source told RG.org that Nikita Kucherov believes the Lightning have nothing left to give and can't win, as his trade request stays the talk of the NHL.
Nikita Kucherov's feelings about the Tampa Bay Lightning have reportedly shifted, and the latest claim is a blunt one.
A source who spoke with RG.org says the star winger believes Tampa has already squeezed everything out of itself and that winning there is not possible.
The same source called the team average on its own.
"He understands that Tampa has already squeezed everything out of itself and you can't win there,” the source said. “The team is average on its own.”
- NHL source
- NHL source
It is worth treating that with caution.
The comments come from an unnamed source, and they do not match what Kucherov said himself on Monday.
He told reporters this was never about money and was more about how the organization has communicated with and treated him, and that he has spoken with general manager Julien BriseBois only twice since July.
Where the contract talks stand
Kucherov is in the final season of an eight-year deal that carries a $9.5 million cap hit, and he became eligible to sign an extension on July 1.
Reports say he was seeking a six-year deal at about $20 million per season, while another had Tampa's first offer at $13 million per season.
The Lightning have not budged.
BriseBois put out a statement Friday saying Tampa has zero plans to move him, and head coach Jon Cooper says Kucherov is fully committed to the group this season.
What happens next
For now, Kucherov is still producing.
He has 18 points in 13 games this season and had three assists in Saturday's shootout loss to the Nashville Predators.
He passed Steven Stamkos to become the franchise's all-time points leader.
Tampa hosts the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, the first home game since the news broke.
His contract includes a list of ten teams he would approve a trade to, so any deal would have to run through that group.
The trade deadline is March 1.
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