# NHL’s reigning MVP Nikita Kucherov reportedly asks Lightning for trade in stunning move

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/nhls-reigning-mvp-nikita-kucherov-reportedly-asks-lightning-for-trade-in-stunning-move/
- Published: 2026-10-31T00:20:06+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T02:54:13+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Far right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/nhls-reigning-mvp-nikita-kucherov-reportedly-asks-lightning-trade-stunning-move
- Topics: Entertainment, TV, World

## Key points

- Kucherov reportedly wants a trade from Tampa Bay.
- His contract expires after this season.
- A deal may hinge on the price and his future plans.

## Summary

Reports say Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has told the club he does not plan to re-sign when his contract expires after this season and has asked to be traded. If confirmed, the move would put the team in a difficult position: it may seek a trade to avoid losing the reigning NHL MVP without compensation.

Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman reported that Kucherov shared his plans with the team and teammates. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois and Kucherov’s agent declined to comment. The 33-year-old has a modified no-trade clause and is in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract; he has 15 points in 14 games this season, after scoring 130 points last season.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.