More Insider Reports Link Nikita Kucherov to Detroit

This past weekend, the hockey world was shocked to its core when Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov requested a trade from his longtime team. Things were thrown further through a loop when insiders began connecting the Russian star to the Detroit Red Wings.

On Monday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman described an interaction with an unnamed person, on his podcast 32 Thoughts, who believed that, given Kucherov's desire for the right fit on a new team, Detroit could be a landing spot for the two-time Stanley Cup champion.

It wasn't the only report linking the two as TSN's Chris Johnston discussed the matter on his self-titled podcast on Monday, explaining that Detroit could be a possible option for Kucherov. 

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Johnston noted the Red Wings could explore a trade that would send two roster players who want out, Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson, to a contender in Tampa Bay, with Kucherov coming back the other way.

According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, Kucherov is looking for minimum six-year deal with a $20 million cap hit that only a few teams could support a contract, but the Red Wings could. 

They already have $28.7 million in cap space and will have the added advantage of the growing salary cap. Detroit would be able to offer the three-time Art Ross Trophy winner and two-time Hart Trophy winner a blank check to come to Hockeytown, and he could finally be the piece that pushes the Red Wings' rebuild into its final stages. 

So far this season, the 33-year-old has four goals and 16 assists for 20 points in 14 games and is on pace to surpass 120 points for the fourth straight season.

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