Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov breaks silence on trade request: ‘Never about the money’

Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesLightning’s Nikita Kucherov breaks silence on trade request: ‘Never about the money’ appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Nikita Kucherov dropped a bombshell Friday night, informing his Tampa Bay Lightning teammates on the plane to Nashville that he didn’t plan to re-sign with the only NHL team he’s ever known.No. 86 met with the media Monday afternoon and revealed why he requested a trade away from the organization.“It was never about the money for me, more about the poor communication and respect,” the Russian superstar said, per Bolts reporter Eduardo A. Encina.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)“In the last four months, we only have had two conversations. Julien, in the end, made it clear: I’m free to walk on July 1st.”Nikita Kucherov said that his trade request was a result of “poor communication and respect.” “It was never about the money for me.”Said that JBB had just two conversions with him during the last four months.#goboltspic.twitter.com/q9xzTCRa02— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) November 2, 2026Kucherov is one of the most important players in team history, and he broke Steven Stamkos’ all-time franchise points record last week.Still, the sides couldn’t agree on a new contract. Kucherov was reportedly looking for an average annual value of around $17 million, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, while general manager Julien BriseBois was unwilling to go above $15 million.That reported gap is striking given Kucherov’s resume: a two-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Hart Trophy winner, seven-time All-Star and three-time Art Ross Trophy winner.He’s currently playing out the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract he signed in 2018, carrying an average annual value of $9.5 million.Despite being 33 years old, Kucherov is still in his prime. He recorded 130 points in 76 games last season and is up to 18 points in 13 games in 2026-27.He did it the right way, informing teammates and management he didn’t plan to re-sign, but making it clear he would continue playing for the team rather than sit out until a trade materialized.While BriseBois said he has no plans to trade Kucherov, it would be a tough pill to swallow to watch one of the best players in the NHL walk for nothing rather than potentially recouping a haul for him ahead of the deadline.The Lightning have faced difficult departures before. Martin St. Louis requested a trade and was dealt to the New York Rangers in 2014 under then-general manager Steve Yzerman.More recently, Stamkos left for the Nashville Predators in July of 2024 after being lowballed by BriseBois, following a 16-year tenure with the franchise.This is a fluid and intriguing situation, and despite what BriseBois has said, Kucherov will be at the top of every NHL trade board between now and the March 1 deadline.Related: Best Nikita Kucherov landing spots after stunning trade requestRelated: Lightning star Nikita Kucherov’s agent responds to Julien BriseBois’ firm trade stance