Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov has demanded a trade, and based on his preferences, the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a player in trade talks.
Earlier on Friday evening, Nikita Kucherov shockingly revealed that he was requesting a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning after feeling disrespected by their contract offers.
It was a stunning decision that certainly changes the landscape of the NHL. At the very least, it makes a dent in the Atlantic Division. The same division that the Maple Leafs are fighting for a playoff spot within.
According to reports, Kucherov has a 10-team trade list. While the exact teams are currently unknown, Emily Kaplan reports that Kucherov wants to play with a superstar.
Believe Kucherov has his eyes set on playing with another one of the league's top superstars and has a few players/teams in mind.
We'll see what moves the Lightning can, or are willing to, pull off.
-
Given this information, one can ascertain that the Toronto Maple Leafs are potentially on Kucherov's list. After all, they boast the talents of Auston Matthews and a superstar in development like Gavin McKenna.
Unfortunately for the Leafs, the Tampa Bay Lightning appear to be against a Kucherov trade. On Friday, Lightning GM Julien Brisebois made it clear that Kucherov isn't going anywhere.
We are aware of the media reports regarding the future of Nikita Kucherov with the Lightning. We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita.
-
Needless to say, a standoff between the Lightning and Kucherov is about to take place, which is something that serves absolutely no one.
While we have seen some big-time trade requests over the last year, this one is perhaps the most shocking as Kucherov and the Lightning have won two Stanley Cups together.
All good things must come to an end, and the Leafs will certainly be monitoring this situation for the next few weeks.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade for Nikita Kucherov?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Elliotte Friedman just leaked the winner of the Dylan Larkin sweepstakes