Kucherov Breaks Silence on Trade Request: 'Poor Communication and Respect'

Nikita Kucherov has spoken publicly for the first time since requesting a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning, blaming "poor communication and respect" for the breakdown in his relationship with the club. Speaking to reporters on Monday, November 2, the reigning Hart Trophy winner said he had held only two conversations with general manager Julien BriseBois over the last four months, and that the GM had made it clear he is free to walk when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. "It was never about the money for me, more poor communication and respect," Kucherov said. The Lightning declined to comment on his remarks, referring back to BriseBois' statement on October 30 that the club "unequivocally" has no intention of trading the franchise star. Kucherov, who averages $9.5 million on his eight-year contract, has won two Hart trophies and three league scoring titles, and he informed his team-mates of his request on their flight to Nashville. He recorded three assists in his first game after the news broke, and when asked whether there was a way back next season, he answered simply: "I made my request."