Kucherov Open to a Canadiens or Maple Leafs Trade; Why So Upset with Tampa?

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Nikita Kucherov’s trade request has raised the question of where he might land, and according to Elliotte Friedman, Canada isn’t off the table.

Speaking on Saturday Headlines, the Sportsnet insider said he believes Kucherov would consider a move to either the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Montreal Canadiens if Tampa Bay decides to trade him and likes the offer. “I do believe that if Tampa was going to trade him, and Montreal and Toronto could come up with a package that Tampa would like, those are two teams, among many, he would consider,” he said. He added that playing in Canada is not a dealbreaker for the star winger, unlike some players with trade protection.

Why Does Kucherov Want a Trade?

Friedman also pointed to the reason behind the request. “More than the money, I think that the reason we’re here today has been the pace of the negotiations, or lack thereof,” he said, referring to the Lightning’s urgency in re-signing Kucherov. They lowballed Kucherov, who wanted to be in the Kirill Kaprizov range when negotiations started. Then, as the Leo Carlsson offer sheet changed the market, Kucherov realized that his ask was low.

Friedman couldn’t confirm whether a $15 million-per-season, four-year offer was made or whether Kucherov countered with $20 million over six seasons. All that the NHL insider could confirm is that Kucherov was upset and he’s been told that once the winger makes up his mind, it’s nearly impossible to change it.

Now What?

It was reported that the Lightning plan to wait and hope that Kucherov will change his mind. Teams interested in a trade believe the Lightning aren’t bluffing when they say he’s not available.

Kucherov did not speak to the media after Saturday’s game, but those around him did. Lightning captain Victor Hedman, who has been Kucherov’s teammate for all 13 of his seasons in Tampa, said the team knew about the request before it became public. “It was a tough day,” Hedman said.

Linemate Brayden Point expects the situation won’t affect Kucherov’s play. “Right now, he’s a Bolt,” Point said.

Former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, now with Nashville, said he was surprised by the news but spoke warmly of his former teammate. He added that Kucherov “still looked pretty good out there tonight.”

Kucherov recently passed Stamkos as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer on Oct. 24 and now sits at 1,142 points. He also helped Tampa win Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Lightning, Oilers, Flames & Maple Leafs