Tampa Bay Lightning star forward Nikita Kucherov reportedly rejected several contract extensions before telling his team he won't re-sign after the season and wants to be traded.
The reigning Hart Trophy winner turned down a new multi-year contract worth $15 million per season, sources told Kevin Weeks of ESPN.
However, the Lightning initially offered a deal carrying a $13-million AAV, per Weeks. Tampa Bay reportedly increased its proposal after Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson received a five-year, $90-million offer sheet and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2-million extension in the summer.
Kucherov, who's making $9.5 million this season, owns a 10-team no-trade clause. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are apparently among the clubs the 33-year-old would be open to joining, but Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said he has "no intention" of moving the winger during the season.
Kucherov has four goals and 14 assists over 13 games in the 2026-27 campaign. He's spent his entire 13-year career with Tampa Bay, recording a franchise-leading 1,142 points, two Stanley Cup rings, two Hart Trophies, three Art Ross Trophies, and two Ted Lindsay Awards.
