New NHL Rumors Reveal Nikita Kucherov's Contract Asking Price Amid Lightning Trade Request

Nikita Kucherov stunned the NHL world when he requested a trade and told the Tampa Bay Lightning he wouldn't be signing an extension with them on Friday.

One day later, we have a better idea of what the star forward is seeking in a new deal.

According to The Athletic's Chris Johnston (h/t Eric Stephens ), Kucherov "is seeking a six-year contract with a $20 million average annual value." Such a deal would put him among the NHL's highest-paid players as contracts have skyrocketed over the last several months.

The 33-year-old is a Lightning legend, with the most points (1,142 points) in franchise history. His time in Tampa has included a pair of Stanley Cup titles, seven All-Star bids, three Art Ross Trophies (most points), two Hart Memorial Trophies (MVP) and two Ted Lindsey Awards (NHLPA's most outstanding).

He hasn't lost his proverbial fastball either—he has four goals and 11 assists in 12 games this season and is well on his way to eclipsing 100 points for a fifth straight season.

In other words, plenty of organizations would likely have interest in Kucherov if he was made available in a trade. The Lightning don't seem inclined to grant him that wish, however.

"We are aware of the media reports regarding the future of Nikita Kucherov with the Lightning," general manager Julien BriseBois said in a statement. "We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita."

The Lightning risk losing him for nothing in unrestricted free agency over the summer. But with a talented but aging core still in place, the Lightning's window is slowly shutting, and it's understandable if they want to squeeze every last year out of it. So for now, Kucherov remains.