Could we see Nikita Kucherov sit out games with the Lightning?

Nov 2, 2026, 12:16 PM ET|Comments (0)

from Daily Faceoff, by Hunter Crowther,

It’s only been a few days since reports came out of Nikita Kucherov, the reigning Hart Trophy winner, requesting a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning .

Kucherov, who has 18 points in 13 games this season, has won two Stanley Cup championships with the Lightning during his 14-year NHL career and has taken the club to four Final appearances. But now that he’s in the final season of an eight-year, $76-million contract , Kucherov appears to want out and maximize his potential earnings elsewhere.

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