Nikita Kucherov reportedly requests trade from Tampa Bay

Nikita Kucherov has told the Tampa Bay Lightning he will not re-sign after this season and has requested a trade, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. The reported decision concerns the reigning NHL most valuable player, who is in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract. The trade request has not been publicly confirmed by Kucherov or the team. One report, citing an anonymous person with knowledge of the situation, said Kucherov informed Tampa Bay of his decision. Another account attributed the report to hockey analyst Elliotte Friedman. The Lightning had not immediately responded to a request for comment, according to the report citing the anonymous source. Kucherov is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. Reporting on his contract indicates he has a 10-team approved-destination list, rather than a full no-trade clause. The teams on the list have not been publicly identified, and no destination has been formally revealed. The reason for his reported decision also remains unclear. The 33-year-old winger has played his entire NHL career with Tampa Bay. He recently became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, with...