Would the Tampa Bay Lightning consider trading Nikita Kucherov?
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: It was another first-round exit for the Tampa Bay Lightning, their fourth in a row. One executive thinks they lost their identity, and obviously, the Victor Hedman injury hurt, as well as the underperforming Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Another executive thinks they could be a little thin on the defensive depth.
Kucherov didn’t record a point in the final three games of the series. Would GM Julien BriseBois consider trading Kucherov? He’s got one more year left on his contract and only a 10-team no-trade list.
NHL Rumors: Calgary Flames, and the Edmonton Oilers
Kucherov will be 33 years old in June, and the Lightning’s plan is likely to extend him and not trade him. But BriseBois isn’t afraid to make a big move. There could be some big names on the move this offseason.
Eduardo A. Encina: Nikita Kucherov, when asked if he wants an extension in place before heading into next season: “You’re going to have to ask Julien. I’m not even thinking about it.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Darren Raddysh’s camp have shared some concepts
Eduardo A. Encina: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois on re-signing pending UFA defenseman Darren Raddysh: “The good news is he’s kept playing really well, so the sample size continues to grow. I have already reached out to his agent. We’ve been in touch throughout the second half of the year, just sharing concepts, ideas.”
Diandra Loux: Raddysh on the Lightning organization: “It’s given me everything that I’ve always wanted to do in my life. As for the business side, I think I’ll take some time and let those guys deal with that and just enjoy being a dad. Enjoy a little bit of summer and get back to that in a few weeks.”
NHL Rumors: Calgary Flames, and the Edmonton Oilers
Jon Cooper isn’t going anywhere
Elliotte Friedman: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois, when asked about Jon Cooper’s contract status: “He’s going to be here for a while.”
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