Lightning star Nikita Kucherov says trade request stems from disrespect and lack of communication

Reigning NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning because he feels disrespected by a lack of communication with general manager Julien BriseBois.“It was never about the money for me,” Kucherov told reporters after practice on Monday. “More about poor communication and respect. Over the last four months, we only have had two conversations and Julien, in the end, made it clear that I’m free to walk on July 1.”Kucherov will become an unrestricted free agent on that date. He’s in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract signed in 2018 before he helped Tampa Bay win the Stanley Cup twice, led the NHL in scoring three times and won the Hart Trophy in 2018-19 and 2025-26.Asked what the organization has meant to him, Kucherov said: “Everything. Got drafted here, played for, now this is my 14th year. A couple championships, met a lot of great people. You know, everything. My kids grew up here, and I’m forever grateful for this organization.”Kucherov’