Tampa Bay Lightning: Statement from GM Julien BriseBois: “We are aware of the media reports regarding the future of Nikita Kucherov with the Lightning. We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita.”
Pierre LeBrun: Have been told that Nikita Kucherov will continue playing for the Lightning while Tampa figures this out.
Emily Kaplan: Believe that Kucherov will be looking to play with another one of the NHL’s top players, and that he has a few teams and players in mind.
- Max Miller: “This screams Celebrini. Players love what he’s bringing to the league and the other top stars in the NHL have raved about playing with him during best on best/international tourneys.”
Is Dylan Larkin More of a Support Player Now?
Jonny Lazarus: “My gut is telling me #TusksUp will be the landing spot for Kucherov, they have the $ and assets to pull off a trade. Bill Armstrong is the kind of guy to make a splash and their team is loaded. They have $25M in projected cap space next year, per @PuckPedia. Mikhail Sergachev is signed through 2031. Kucherov played for Andre Tourigny in the QMJHL in 2012-13″
- Cole Bagley: “A whole lot of reasons it would make sense for Utah to go after Kucherov. Bill is always looking for ways to make the team better. But are they ready for something like this? Is this the scenario where you finally mortgage the farm to accelerate the rebuild?”
Stefen Rosner: “Kucherov is a fit for #Isles, for sure. Likelihood of it happening, no idea. But he’s exactly the kind of player this team needs. Also there is a connection with Darche.”
Evan Rawal: “I’m on vacation and the thought of a “Kuch to Colorado” package hurts my brain and would need to involve a big contract (and good player) headed other way. And oh yes, the Avs are asset poor. We all know Nate loves Kucherov, though.”
Ben Pope: “I cannot see a world in which the Blackhawks give up tons of young players/1st rounders and commit $18 million or whatever to a 33-year-old. Obviously Kucherov would make the team immensely more watchable right now, but that would be insanely shortsighted.”
David Staples: “Kucherov? Carolina, Utah or Boston would be my bet. I’ll bet Boston gets him. But why is he pushing for a trade now? Makes little sense, given he’s on a good team.”
Media Wondering Where Nikita Kucherov Could/Won’t End Up
Matt Marchese: “I won’t pretend to know who is on Nikita Kucherov’s 10 team trade list but… Utah has centre depth and lots of blue chip prospects
Detroit is looking for a centre, help to move Larkin
– Tampa could take on Larkin
– Utah gets Kucherov
– Detroit gets a package of players & prospects.”
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