# Kucherov trade request: Five NHL teams to land MVP

> Reigning NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov demands trade after refusing extension.
- Title: Kucherov trade request: Five NHL teams to land MVP | Shortify
- Summary: Reigning NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov demands trade after refusing extension. NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade after refusing to sign a contract…
- Keywords: nikita kucherov, tampa bay lightning, nhl, mvp, trade request, stanley cup, hart trophy, montreal canadiens, minnesota wild, carolina hurricanes, utah mammoth, dallas stars
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nhl/news/nikita-kucherov-trade-request-landing-spots-nhl-mvp
- Published: 2026-10-31T01:57:50+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nikita kucherov, tampa bay lightning, nhl, mvp, trade request, stanley cup, hart trophy, montreal canadiens, minnesota wild, carolina hurricanes, utah mammoth, dallas stars
## Kucherov trade request
Nikita Kucherov has told Tampa Bay Lightning he won't sign a contract extension and requested a trade.

> Nikita Kucherov has told the Lightning he won't sign a contract extension and has requested a trade
## Kucherov's achievements
Two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Hart Trophy winner with 33 years of experience.

> Kucherov, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Hart Trophy winner as league MVP
## Kucherov's stats
44 goals and 86 assists last season with a five-on-five goal differential of plus-38.

> Just last season, Kucherov posted 44 goals and 86 assists en route to his second Hart Trophy win
## Kucherov's contract
In final year of $9.5 million per season contract with salary cap rising rapidly.

> Kucherov is in the final year of a contract that pays him $9.5 million per season
## Montreal Canadiens fit
Has $30 million cap space and needs top two lines for Stanley Cup run.

> Montreal's moment to strike is now. It's an ascendant team with a great salary cap situation and assets to spend
## Minnesota Wild fit
Needs winger but has top-two defenseman and can trade assets for Kucherov.

> Minnesota has a top-two defenseman in the world on its roster right now
## Carolina Hurricanes fit
Has cap space and young players to pair with Kucherov for Stanley Cup run.

> Carolina has a good chunk of cap space available already
## Utah Mammoth fit
Has $25 million cap space and young forwards to pair with Kucherov.

> Utah also has plenty of draft capital with which to work
## Dallas Stars fit
Can trade for Kucherov to help win Cup immediately with Jason Robertson.

> Dallas would get the better player in Kucherov
## Key takeaway

NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade after refusing to sign a contract extension with Tampa Bay Lightning.