Kucherov to Edmonton? The Oilers and the Star Winger Have Trade History

Nikita Kucherov wants out of Tampa Bay. The shocking news was everywhere on Friday and easily became the day's biggest storyline. And of course, the Edmonton Oilers are loosely linked. 

Kucherov is in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract, which includes a 10-team modified-approval trade list. The Lightning have said they have no intention of trading him, and it's unclear who is on Kucherov's list, but his comments that there is a lot of "dumb" hockey being played in the NHL these days have been connected to a report that he'd prefer to go to a team with another elite superstar. 

Again, the Oilers are loosely linked. 

Edmonton has two superstars: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. You could argue three, if you work Evan Bouchard into the conversation. One might assume Edmonton isn't the kind of destination that first pops up on a star's radar—especially for Kucherov, who was playing in Tampa and a state-tax-free environment—but if Kucherov wants elite talent around him, Edmonton is in the mix. 

What makes this intriguing is that, should the Oilers also be interested, it wouldn't be the first time.

In 2019, the Lightning reportedly discussed a potential framework involving Nikita Kucherov and Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, but it fell apart when Edmonton reportedly asked to add center Anthony Cirelli to the package. This came after the Lightning were reeling from a four-game sweep by the Columbus Blue Jackets and before Draisaitl became the legitimate top-level Hart Trophy-caliber player he is today. 

Obviously, the Oilers wouldn't be trading Draisaitl for Kucherov today. But pairing the two on the same line and giving the Oilers a top six that includes McDavid, Draisaitl, Kucherov, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Vasily Podkolizin is almost too scary to be real. 

As great as this idea sounds on paper, there are several obstacles, many that might be too large to overcome. 

First, if Tampa isn't willing to trade Kucherov, any theories about him landing in Edmonton are pointless. 

Second, if the Lightning do agree to trade him, the package they'll want back will be massive. This is not a situation where the player has a full no-move. He can't dictate where he goes, beyond saying, 'These are the 10 teams I like.' Of those 10 teams, at least one will likely offer a better package. 

The best Edmonton can do is put a first-round pick, other picks, Matt Savoie, and prospects together. The Oilers aren't parting with a legit star and the Lightning will want more than this kind of package for a top-five NHL talent. 

Third, there's the money. $9.5 million isn't a lot for Kucherov, but it's tight for the Oilers if they don't move other money. Beyond this season, it's what Kucherov wants next that creates an issue for teams. He reportedly scoffed at $15 million per season and wants $20 million over six years. Remember, he's 33 years old. 

The Oilers can't afford a $20 million contract for Kucherov with Bouchard needing a new deal the following year and the McDavid extension on the horizon.

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