NHL Rumor Mill – November 2, 2026

Nikita Kucherov requested a trade after contract extension talks with the Tampa Bay Lightning fell apart. The Edmonton Oilers explored acquiring him in 2019 but the deal was blocked by the Lightning's demands for additional players and Kucherov's $20 million AAV contract request. Sources indicate the Lightning's initial contract offer to Kucherov was $13 million AAV, which was later raised to $15 million AAV.