Nikita Kucherov's true feelings about one Canadian team revealed by insider who spoke with him

Nikita Kucherov wants out of Tampa Bay, and one of hockey's best connected insiders says he knows where the superstar would rather land.

David Pagnotta said on Leafs Morning Take that Montreal is the one spot he knows Kucherov truly has a soft spot for, and he said he knows that firsthand because the two have discussed it.

Kucherov told the Lightning on Friday that he won't re-sign after this season and wants a trade.

The reigning NHL MVP carries a $9.5 million cap hit and is set to reach unrestricted free agency in July.

Julien BriseBois, the general manager, responded by saying Tampa Bay has no intention of moving him.

Contract talks apparently went nowhere.

Pagnotta reported that the two sides never got close, and Kucherov was put off by the Lightning's offer in both years and dollars, believed to be four years at $15 million per season.

There is a catch, though. Kucherov holds a 10-team no-trade clause, so he controls where he goes.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that both the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs are among the teams he would consider.

Shortly after the request went public, Pagnotta said he believes the Canadiens would sit near the top of Kucherov's list.

Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek also recalled Kucherov speaking warmly about Montreal during the playoffs.

Getting a deal done won't be simple.

Pagnotta believes BriseBois would be very reluctant to send a player of this caliber to a divisional rival, and Montreal sits in the same Atlantic Division as Tampa Bay.

For now, Kucherov is still playing for the Lightning, and the questions will keep coming every single time Tampa Bay takes the ice.

Montreal fans will surely be paying very close attention.

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