Nikita Kucherov reportedly refuses to re-sign with Lightning after 13 seasons, requests a trade: What did his multi-million dollar contracts look like at the team?

The Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov has refused to re-sign his contract and is looking to be traded, The New York Times reported, citing Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. This comes as Kucherov has completed 13 seasons with the franchise . According to the report, he has informed both the Lightning organization and his teammates about his intentions.

However, The Lightning has issued a statement from general manager Julien BriseBoise, saying that the organisation is aware about the media reports regarding Kucherov’s future with the Lightning. The statement states that members of the front office “unequivocally have no intention of trading Kucherov”.

Kucherov won two Stanley Cups with the Lightning

Kucherov has been one of Lighting’s strongest pillars, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2020 and again in 2021. Kucherov made his NHL debut with the team in November 2013 and scored a goal on his very first shot.

The Russia-born Kucherov has won the Hart Trophy twice, becoming the NHL’s most valuable player in 2019 and again in 2026. He is a three-time scoring champion and earned the Art Ross Trophy in 2019, 2024 and in 2025. He has only recently become the Lightning’s all-time leading scorer with 1,138 points. With this he has passed the team’s former lead scorer, Steven Stamkos.

The star player has so far played 891 NHL games over 13 seasons. During his tenure he has scored 405 goals and given 734 assists. He also holds the record for most points scored by a Russia-born player in one season, he scored 114.

Kucherov signed three contracts with Lightning

Kucherov signed his first contract with Tampa Bay Lightning for a three year period in the 2013 season at the age of 19. According to NHL data collection website, Puck Pedia, the contract was worth $2.78 million with a cap of $925,000. His second contract made him $14.3 million. He was paid $14,766,667 annually for three years till the 2018 season.

Currently Kucherov is signed to his longest ever contract. He signed it in 2019 and it runs for eight years till 2027. The contract is worth a massive $76 million, with his annual salary amounting to $9,500,000. The contract expiring would make Kucherov an Unrestricted Free Agent.

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How much was Kucherov offered to re-sign?

According to NHL insider and host David Pagnotta, the Lightning were offering Kucherov a four year contract. He would have been paid a massive $15 million per season, Pagnotta reported. The 33 year old, who is one of the top three players in the league did not find the contract fair and asked to be traded.

However, even as contract negotiations run, Kucherov will continue playing with the team, Pierre LeBrun, NHL Columnist for The New York Times said. This is in contrast to Connor Hellebuyck who refused to play for the Winnipeg Jets and Detroit Red Wings’ Dylan Larking who is also sitting out.