NHL's Reigning MVP Nikita Kucherov Reportedly Asks Tampa Bay Lightning for a Trade

Nikita Kucherov, the NHL's reigning Most Valuable Player, wants to leave the Tampa Bay Lightning. According to multiple reports, he has informed the team that he will not re-sign after this season and would like a trade.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Kucherov had informed the team and his teammates of his plans to sign elsewhere when his eight-year, $76 million deal ends after this season.

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois and Kucherov's agent, Dan Milstein, declined to comment, so neither the club nor the player has officially confirmed the reports.

The 33-year-old Russian is a two-time winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's MVP, and a two-time Stanley Cup champion. He has been the Lightning's centrepiece through three runs to the Stanley Cup Final.

The team itself is still playing well. The Lightning are currently third in the Atlantic Division, just two points out of first place, which is why the reports describe his possible departure as a major blow.

Kucherov currently has a modified no-trade clause, which, according to the reports, should not be too limiting when it comes to getting a deal done.

The bigger issue may be the return. The reports say the Lightning will likely want a hefty price for the reigning league MVP, while potential trade partners will likely want assurances that paying a high price will secure his services beyond this season.

Last season Kucherov had 130 points — 44 goals and 86 assists — his fourth straight season with over 110 points.

So far this season, he has 4 goals and 11 assists in 14 games.

If Kucherov has indeed indicated he will not re-sign, the reports say the Lightning will obviously look to trade him rather than let the reigning league MVP walk for nothing.