Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov is currently looking to be traded, and according to Pierre LeBrun, a deal involving the Detroit Red Wings is possible.
As we reported on Saturday, Nikita Kucherov wants to go to a contender, and he wants to play with another superstar. This makes the Toronto Maple Leafs a viable option.
That said, the Tampa Bay Lightning and their general manager, Julien Brisebois, have made it clear the team has no plans to trade him.
During this dispute, Kucherov has made it clear that he will continue playing with the franchise. Unlike Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin, Kucherov doesn't want to be a hindrance to his guys.
While the Lightning are not keen on trading Kucherov, that has not stopped insiders from theorizing what a potential deal might look like. For instance, Pierre LeBrun believes a three-team trade could be on the horizon.
Nikita Kucherov for Simon Edvinsson and Dylan Larkin
LeBrun wonders if the Lightning may be able to pull off a deal in which Kucherov is dealt in exchange for Simon Edvinsson and Dylan Larkin.
However, in this version of events, Kucherov doesn't go to the Detroit Red Wings. Instead, he would go to a third team that provides the Red Wings with some big-time assets.
That third team is unknown, although given Kucherov's preferences, you would have to figure that teams like the Las Vegas Golden Knights are at the top of that list.
Kucherov has a 10-team trade list. If he doesn't approve of the team, then he can't be traded there. It makes for an interesting scenario that certainly handcuffs the Lightning from getting the best deal.
No matter what, a Kucherov is going to be a blockbuster. He is one of the best players in the league, and he has been for the better part of seven seasons.
There are numerous front offices scrambling to acquire his services, and that should tell you everything about him as a player.
Do you believe Nikita Kucherov going to Detroit Red Wings?
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Nikita Kucherov's 10-team trade list appears to include the Maple Leafs