Insider Provides New Nikita Kucherov Update Amid Lightning Trade Request

On Friday night, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning and has told the team he will not re-sign with them. 

This is undoubtedly a brutal blow for the Lightning, as Kucherov has been their top superstar for a long time. 

Now, an update on Kucherov has been provided following his trade request being made public.

According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Kucherov is still planning to play games for the Lightning as he waits to be traded. 

This is notable, as we have seen other NHL stars who have requested trades refuse to play for their teams this season. Connor Hellebuyck refused to play for the Winnipeg Jets this season before being dealt to the New Jersey Devils last week.

Dylan Larkin also told the Detroit Red Wings this week that he will now not play for them as he waits to be dealt. He played in 10 games this campaign with Detroit before this, where he had two goals and six points.

With Kucherov being one of the NHL's best players, it is good for the Lightning that he is willing to play as we waits to get traded. It is also important to note that the Lightning can choose to hold on to Kucherov for the remainder of this season as their own rental even if he wants a change of scenery. 

Kucherov has posted four goals and 15 points in 12 games this season with the Lightning.