Nikita Kucherov Reportedly Wants Out of Tampa Bay, Seeks Trade From Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Reportedly Wants Out of Tampa Bay, Seeks Trade From Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning may be facing the end of an era, as Nikita Kucherov has reportedly informed both his teammates and the organization that he does not intend to re-sign with the franchise and would prefer to be traded, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The news comes as a massive surprise for a Lightning organization that has built much of its success around Kucherov over the past decade. For most observers, the expectation was that the superstar winger would finish his career in Tampa Bay. However, that possibility now appears to be in serious doubt.

According to Friedman, the exact reasons behind Kucherov's decision remain unclear. However, the message delivered to both the organization and his teammates suggests that the relationship between the two sides has reached a significant turning point.

Nikita Kucherov's Future in Tampa Suddenly Coming to a Close

Kucherov's timing comes right after the Rays lost the World Series and right after he passed Steven Stamkos as the franchise's all time points leader, a stunning turn of events for fans, and the National Hockey League.

Kucherov is curr...