Nikita Kucherov Requests Trade From The Lightning: Report

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"According to multiple sources, Nikita Kucherov has informed both his teammates and the Lightning organization that he will not be re-signing with Tampa Bay and would like to be traded," Friedman wrote. 

Friedman also reported that the reason Kucherov has requested a trade from the Lightning has not been confirmed at this time. 

Kucherov is currently in the final season of his eight-year, $76 million contract with the Lightning. With this, he is a pending unrestricted free agent. 

Kucherov was selected by the Lightning in the second round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, 58th overall. In 891 career games over 13 seasons with the Lightning, he has posted 405 goals, 734 assists, and a franchise-best 1,139 points. 

Now, with Kucherov requesting a trade, he has now taken over Dylan Larkin's spot as the NHL's biggest trade candidate. This is undoubtedly a tough blow for the Lightning, and it will be interesting to see how this situation develops.