One of the greatest players in Tampa Bay Lightning history may soon be wearing another jersey. According to Sportsnet, Nikita Kucherov told the Lightning that he would sign a contract extension and request a trade.
Kucherov, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Hart Trophy winner in league MVP, is one of the best players of his era. The 33-year-old just passed the legendary Steven Stamkos for the franchise’s all-time lead in points and shows no signs of slowing down.
During his last season, Kucherov posted 44 goals and 86 assists en route to winning another Hart Trophy. The numbers were even better with a five-on-five goal differential of plus-38 and an expected goal share of 57.0 percent. Only a select few players can play from the wing like Kucherov, and that makes him a bit of a unicorn.
Kucherov is in the final year of a contract that pays him $9.5 million per season, and with a rapidly rising salary cap, he is expected to raise a gargantuan debt next summer. It sounds like Kucherov and the Lightning were too far apart on that score, so the superstar winger shifted his focus to a change of scenery.
It’s important to note that Kucherov has limited trade protection in the form of a 10-team trade, but that’s more than enough to find the Lightning a suitable trade partner. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five teams that could be a good fit for Kucherov as he prepares for the next chapter of his illustrious career.
Royal Canadian
Right out of the gate, this is the most powerful of all landing spots. The general manager in Kent Hughes did an excellent job of blocking his young core in very friendly contracts, and as a result the Canadiens almost $30 million in the projected space next season. They also have a significant need in their top two lines, and I’d say the reigning Hart Trophy winner will fill that role quite nicely.
The King’s moment is now to strike. A powerful team with a large salary cap situation and good spending. It’s time to get coaching, and this would be a tsunami. Just imagine Kucherov playing in a game with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov. Kucherov was also contacted by former Lightning teammate Martin St. Louis was taught that a relationship already existed between the player and the coach. I expect the Canadians to do everything in their power to land Kucherov.
Minnesota Wild
We already know that the Wildcats have been heavily hunting for the middle because they have been heavily linked to former Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. If I were consulting general manager Bill Guerin — and I’m certainly not — I’d recommend Minnesota package whatever good Detroit offered and redirect it to Tampa Bay. No, Kucherov is not a center, and he needs a big warm-up.
However, Kucherov is a rare winger in that he can play better than first line centers from the wing. Put him on a line with Kirill Kaprizov, and the only time opponents touch the puck is when they pull it out of the net.
With Quinn Hughes also expiring on his contract, acquiring Kucherov would be a risky move for the Wild. What if the premium goods only lose Kucherov and Hughes next summer? I don’t think fear can dictate decisions in Minnesota. The team currently has the top-two defense in the world on its roster, and has the ability to acquire a top-five forward. Anxiety about next summer when the time comes. Go all out to win the Cup while there’s still a chance.
Carolina Hurricanes
It was no secret that the Hurricanes were in the Connor Hellebuyck sweepstakes but just dropped out. So if stopping goals can’t be improved, why not score them much better? Carolina doesn’t need any help offensively, but Kucherov adds it will go a long way to helping the team repeat as Stanley Cup champions. In addition, Kucherov would provide another level of playmaking and finishing that the Dogs don’t have on their roster.
Carolina already has a good chunk of cap space available, and they don’t need to spend much to open up Kucherov. The Dogs also have some players on their roster that could challenge for the playoffs, and they have three first-round picks over the next two drafts. Why not take a shot at landing a superstar wing?
Utah Mammoth
Similar to hurricanes, Mammoth, Hellebucyk mix, for a certain reason. In the end, the goal of Karel Vejmelka and Sebastian Cossa was not good, so that Utah can prevent its problems until one of the metal finds a crack. The offense may be the best defense for the Mammoth — and if it is — Kucherov should be in the mix for the Norris Trophy. There is a great core of young guys in Salt Lake City, and I think Kucherov would be a perfect fit alongside Logan Cooley, who is emerging as a franchise center.
Utah also has the most draft cap space to work with, and it’s projected to have over $25 million in salary cap space next season. The Mammoth don’t have any majors pending on their free agent list, so you’re unlikely to be able to sign Kucherov to a long-term extension.
Dallas Stars
Allow me to be a little bolder in my fifth and final destination. The Stars have already failed to sign 27-year-old winger Jason Robertson to a long-term deal. The two sides agreed to a one-year deal worth $12 million before the season, but Robertson’s future with the team is still very much in doubt. What if Dallas and Tampa Bay made a real “hockey trade” — one player for one player?
Dallas would get a better player in Kucherov, but there are no guarantees around the extension. The Stars are on a winning streak, and Kucherov could help them immediately jump over the Cup. Tampa Bay would get a younger player in Robertson, and although he doesn’t have the outstanding athletic ability of Kucherov, he is still an exceptionally talented scorer. Perhaps the Lightning could join him at the core of the team and sign a multi-year contract. This could be a lot on both sides.