Nikita Kucherov Wants Out of Tampa Bay Because the Lightning Forgot How to Talk to Him

The Tampa Bay Lightning front office apparently looked at their franchise points leader, a guy with two Stanley Cups and two Hart Trophies, and decided the best communication strategy was the silent treatment.

Nikita Kucherov has officially requested a trade out of Tampa Bay. His agent, Dan Milstein, went on Daily Faceoff to confirm the vibes are completely cooked, stating it is time to move on after contract talks flatlined.

""It's time to move on" - Dan Milstein"

Kucherov is in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million deal and hits unrestricted free agency on July 1. According to the winger, GM Julien BriseBois has spoken to him exactly twice in four months, ultimately telling the 33-year-old he is free to walk this summer.

This is not a washed veteran asking for a change of scenery. Kucherov is currently leading the 7-3-2 Lightning with 18 points through 13 games. If you are holding a Tampa Bay futures ticket, the fact that their offensive engine is actively trying to pack his bags is a massive red flag.

BriseBois released a statement claiming the team unequivocally has no intention of trading him. That is a bold strategy when the player has a 10-team trade list and has already personally told the locker room he wants out. You cannot just trap a disgruntled superstar in the building and hope he forgets he asked to leave.

The Lightning host the Chicago Blackhawks next, which means we get to watch Kucherov skate for a front office he publicly despises. The trade deadline just became the only date that matters in Tampa, because this standoff is ending in a blockbuster deal or a very awkward July 1 exit.