5 Landing Spots for Nikita Kucherov Amid NHL Rumors

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov is among the NHL's elite stars.

Since his 85-point breakout performance in 2016-17, Kucherov has been the driving force behind the Lightning's offense. He's a three-time winner of the Art Ross Trophy and the winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2018-19. Kucherov also led them in postseason scoring during their Stanley Cup runs in 2020 and 2021.

Kucherov had another all-star performance this season, finishing second among NHL scorers with 130 points. He was nominated for the Ted Lindsay Award, which he won in 2018-19 and 2024-25, and he could be nominated for the Hart Trophy again this year.

However, Kucherov has struggled offensively in playoff action since 2023. During that period, the Lightning were eliminated from the first round four straight times. He had 23 points in as many postseason games, but only scored two goals.

Against the Montreal Canadiens in this year's postseason, Kucherov had a goal and six assists. However, the Canadiens held him scoreless during the final three games as they eliminated the Lightning in seven games.

On May 4, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic pondered what this offseason could hold for the Lightning. Taking note of Kucherov's struggles against the Canadiens, he wondered if Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois would consider moving the 32-year-old winger.

Kucherov has a year remaining on his contract with a salary-cap hit of $9.5 million. He will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. LeBrun pointed out that the winger lacks full no-trade protection, carrying a 10-team no-trade clause instead.

If BriseBois were to put Kucherov on the trade block, the asking price could be a return involving at least a first-round pick, a top prospect, and a good young NHL player with star potential.

On May 5, BriseBois told reporters he hopes to keep Kucherov in the organization "for a very long time." Nevertheless, if the two sides fail to agree to an extension, here's a look at five potential destinations for the Lightning's scoring star.

Carolina Hurricanes

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The Carolina Hurricanes are considered among this season's favorites to win the Stanley Cup. They've advanced to the Eastern Conference Final twice in the last three years. If they fall short this season, general manager Eric Tulsky could make a major move to bolster his club's chances next season.

Tulsky has a recent history of making big trades. Last year, he acquired Mikko Rantanen in a three-team trade from the Colorado Avalanche. When the winger wouldn't commit to a contract extension, Tulsky shipped him to the Dallas Stars for a return that included promising forward Logan Stankoven.

It was expected that Tulsky would make another significant addition this season, but he opted for a minor move by acquiring enforcer Nicolas Deslauriers. With the Hurricanes sitting second in goals-per-game (3.55) and fourth in power-play percentage (24.9), Tulsky could afford to keep his powder dry.

Another failure to advance to the Stanley Cup Final, however, could entice Tulsky to consider adding a superstar forward such as Kucherov. He would slot in along Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov on the top line or with Taylor Hall and Stankoven on the second line.

With $14.2 million of projected salary-cap space and 19 active roster players under contract for 2026-27, the Hurricanes can afford the final season of Kucherov's contract. They also have space beyond next season to re-sign him.

The Lightning's asking price could include a forward such as Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, or Jackson Blake. Promising defenseman Alexander Nikishin could also be enticing, or a prospect such as Bradly Nadeau.

Los Angeles Kings

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For the fifth straight season, the Los Angeles Kings failed to advance past the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With long-time captain Anze Kopitar retiring, general manager Ken Holland must decide if he'll retool or rebuild the roster.

Odds are Holland will opt to retool. He already made a significant addition by acquiring left wing Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers in February. He could try to land another first-line center to replace Kopitar. Failing that, he could consider adding a first-line right wing such as Nikita Kucherov.

The Kings need an offensive boost after finishing 29th in goals per game average (2.68) and 28th in power-play percentage (17.0). An all-star such as Kucherov playing with Panarin on the top line with young center Quinton Byfield might improve those stats, as could having him on the second line with left wing Kevin Fiala.

Taking on the remaining year of Kucherov's contract won't be an issue for the Kings, who have over $18.5 million in cap space for next season with 18 active roster players under contract. However, it could complicate efforts to re-sign defenseman Brandt Clarke and checking-line center Scott Laughton.

Clarke could be part of the Lightning's asking price. The Kings have limited prospects to offer up as part of the return. They could include a first-round pick, plus they have two second-rounders in this year's draft and in 2028 to draw on.

New Jersey Devils

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A lack of scoring punch contributed to the New Jersey Devils missing the playoffs this season. Their 2.76 goals-per-game average ranked 27th overall. Sunny Mehta, their new general manager, might consider a big move in the trade market to address this need and put his stamp on this club.

Losing scoring center Jack Hughes for 18 games to an injured finger early in the season was a contributing factor. However, the production of top-six forwards Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier also declined this season.

Adding a superstar such as Nikita Kucherov at right wing alongside Hughes or Hischier could provide the Devils with a significant offensive boost. He would also improve their power-play percentage, which was 13th overall this season at 22.0.

The Devils have a projected $11.9 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27, with 18 active roster players under contract. That gives them enough room for Kucherov's $9.5 million AAV.

Part of that cap room would go to restricted free agent defenseman Šimon Nemec, but he could be part of the Lightning's asking price. It could also include at least one of the Devils' first-round picks and a skilled prospect such as goaltender Mikhail Yegorov or defenseman Anton Silayev.

New York Islanders

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Since becoming general manager of the New York Islanders last year, Mathieu Darche has yet to make a major move to improve his club With the club narrowly missing the playoffs, he might be ready to make a significant trade during this offseason.

Improving the Islanders' anaemic offense is a priority. They've been a low-scoring club since John Tavares' departure in 2018, relying mostly on goaltending and a solid, grinding defensive system. However, it left them 25th in goals per game (2.79) this season and 30th in power-play percentage (16.5).

Adding a superstar such as Nikita Kucherov would provide an immediate boost to their offensive fortunes. He could skate on their first line with center Bo Horvat or on the second line with Mathew Barzal.

With $12.6 million in projected salary-cap space for next season and 19 active roster players under contract, there's room for the Isles to add Kucherov to their lineup for next season. They'll also have room to re-sign him if he's willing to stay.

The Lightning could ask for young defenseman Matthew Schaefer, but the Isles won't part with him. A couple of promising youngsters, such as forward Calum Ritchie, winger Victor Eklund, or defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, would have to be part of the return.

Washington Capitals

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With long-time superstar Alex Ovechkin in the twilight of his career, the Washington Capitals are a team in transition. General manager Chris Patrick has spent the past two seasons gradually moving out aging veterans for younger talent in anticipation of Ovechkin's eventual retirement.

However, the Capitals were still trying to remain a playoff contender. Patrick attempted to acquire Artemi Panarin before he was eventually shipped to the Los Angeles Kings. He was hoping to bolster his club's struggling power-play percentage (17.8), which ranked 25th by the end of the regular season.

Kucherov could be a tempting target for the Capitals if he became available in the trade market. He would slot in as their first-line right wing. That could also tempt Ovechkin into returning for one more season.

The Capitals are well-positioned to make a significant move this summer to bolster their offense. They have over $36.6 million in projected cap space with 17 active roster players under contract. Even if Ovechkin returns and they re-sign Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre, they'll have enough to make a big addition.

With two first-round picks in this year's draft, the Capitals can afford to part with one of them in a package for someone like Kucherov. They're not trading promising youngsters like Ryan Leonard or Cole Hutson, but a prospect such as Andrew Cristall and a young player like McMichael could be part of the return.

Stats and trophy info via NHL.com. Salary cap info via PuckPedia. Line combinations via Daily Faceoff. Prospect info via The Athletic.