Nikita Kucherov trade request: Five potential landing spots for the reigning NHL MVP

Kucherov’s days with the Lightning appear to be over

One of the greatest players in Tampa Bay Lightning history may soon be wearing a different jersey. According to Sportsnet, Nikita Kucherov has told the Lightning he won't sign a contract extension and has requested a trade. Kucherov, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Hart Trophy winner as league MVP, is one of the best players of his era. The 33-year-old just passed the legendary Steven Stamkos for the all-time franchise lead in points and has shown no signs of slowing down. Just last season, Kucherov posted 44 goals and 86 assists en route to his second Hart Trophy win. His underlying numbers were even better with a five-on-five goal differential of plus-38 and an expected goals share of 57.0 percent.

Only a select few players can drive play from the wing like Kucherov, and that makes him a unicorn of sorts. Kucherov is in the final year of a contract that pays him $9.5 million per season, and with the salary cap rising rapidly, he's due for a gargantuan raise next summer. It sounds like Kucherov and the Lightning were too far apart on that number, so the superstar winger has shifted his focuse to a change of scenery. It's important to note that Kucherov has limited trade protection in the form of a 10-team trade list, but