Nikita Kucherov is finally clearing the air following his shock trade request.
Speaking with reporters after the Tampa Bay Lightning's Monday practice, Kucherov explained that his decision to request a trade from the only NHL team he's known came down to a matter of "poor communication and respect."
"It was never about the money for me, more about poor communication and respect," Kucherov said, head down and surrounded by reporters. "Over the last four months, we only have had two conversations. And (Lightning general manager) Julien (BriseBois), in the end, made it clear that I'm free to walk on July 1."
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Friday that Kucherov had informed his teammates and the Lightning organization that he would not be re-signing in Tampa Bay when his contract runs out at the end of the season and that he would like to be traded.
Kucherov, playing in the final year of an eight-year, $76-million deal, reportedly hadn't made progress with the organization on an extension, and meetings with BriseBois were few and far between.
When asked about whether he sees himself in Tampa beyond this season, Kucherov simply stated: "I made my request."
Following the report that Kucherov had submitted a trade request, the Lightning released a statement saying they would not be trading the superstar.
"We are aware of the media reports regarding the future of Nikita Kucherov with the Lightning," Brisebois said in a statement. "We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita."
For now, Kucherov appears intent on helping the team while still wearing a Lightning sweater, saying, "For now I'm part of this team, and I will do anything I can to help my teammates win."
"We love Kuch to death," Lightning teammate Brandon Hagel said, according to Lightning beat reporter Benjamin Pierce. "We know he has our back, so it's one of those things where, as a fan, I think you should appreciate what he's done for the city, what he's done for this organization. What he's done for myself, personally, he’s a really good friend of mine.
"In here, the focus is playing, and that's his focus as well. And that other stuff will take care of itself. He didn't quit on us. He doesn't give up on us. It's just the reality of hockey and reality of those types of situations. That will get dealt with, and we're going to deal with it over here.”
A two-time Stanley Cup champ and two-time Hart Trophy winner with the Bolts, last month Kucherov overtook former teammate Steven Stamkos as the franchise's all-time points leader. He has 1,142 points (405 goals, 737 assists) over 892 games, and has led the league in points three times.
"Everything. I got drafted here," Kucherov said when asked what the Lightning mean to him. "You know, this is my 14th year, a couple championships, I met a lot of great people. Everything. My kids grew up here, and I'm forever grateful for this organization."
