Julien BriseBois Says "No Intention Of Trading Nikita" Amid Lightning Trade Rumors

Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has rejected the possibility of trading Nikita Kucherov, despite a report that the star forward wants to leave the team. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Kucherov had informed his teammates and the Lightning organization that he does not intend to re-sign and would like a trade. Tampa Bay responded hours later, making its stance clear. The development comes with Kucherov in the final season of his eight-year contract, leaving the two-time Hart Trophy winner approaching a major decision about his future.

Julien BriseBois Rejects Reports of Nikita Kucherov Trade Request

The Lightning issued a statement through their social media account on Friday, with BriseBois directly addressing the reports.

“We are aware of the media reports regarding the future of Nikita Kucherov with the Lightning,” BriseBois said.

“We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita.”

BriseBois had spoken about the contract situation before the season, saying negotiations had not produced an agreement despite both sides wanting one.

“Throughout these contract negotiations, both parties I know would prefer to have a deal today to put that behind us,” BriseBois said on September 16.

He also said he remained in contact with Kucherov's agent, with the aim of keeping the forward in Tampa Bay for many more years.

Nikita Kucherov Has One Season Left on His Contract

Kucherov signed his eight-year, $76 million contract on July 10, 2018. The deal carries a $9.5 million average annual value and expires after this season. He has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1 and can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

He has spent his entire 13-season NHL career with Tampa Bay. He has 1,139 points, including 405 goals and 734 assists, in 891 regular-season games.

Recently moved past Steven Stamkos, who had 1,137 points with the Lightning, to become the franchise's all-time leading scorer. He reached the mark with an assist in Saturday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth.

Kucherov has started this season with 15 points, including four goals and 11 assists, in 12 games. Last season, he finished with 130 points in 76 games, scoring 44 goals and adding 86 assists.

He has reached 100 points in each of the past four seasons. In 2023-24, he also recorded 100 assists, joining Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Connor McDavid as the only other players to reach that mark in a season.

Kucherov has also helped Tampa Bay win the Stanley Cup twice, in 2020 and 2021. He has 177 points in 159 Stanley Cup Playoff games.