Nikita Kucherov finally spoke. Three days after news of his trade request broke, the Lightning star took questions from reporters in Tampa on Monday, and he didn't leave much room for doubt.
What he said
"It was never about the money for me," Kucherov said, per Daily Faceoff and Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times. "It was more about poor communication and respect." He says there were only two conversations with management over the last four months, and that Julien BriseBois made it clear he's free to walk on July 1.
Chris Johnston adds that those two talks were about an extension, since Kucherov became eligible to sign on July 1. Per David Pagnotta, when he was asked if this could still end with him in Tampa, he simply said: "I've made my request." Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic also has his explanation.
He still thanked the organization, where he's in his 14th season, and said he'll do anything he can to help his teammates win for as long as he's with the Lightning.
The numbers
Kucherov leads Tampa with 18 points (4 goals, 14 assists) in 13 games, 5 of them on the power play. Brandon Hagel is next with 16. Last season he put up 130 points in 76 games. He's 33 and in the final year of a deal that pays him $9.5 million a season.
Tampa hosts Detroit on Tuesday and Chicago on Thursday.
Pool take
Points and draft pools: nothing changes for now. He's playing, he's producing and he says he'll give everything. He's still one of the best picks in the league, wherever he finishes the season.
Keeper and dynasty pools: as Daily Faceoff points out, he's made it clear he doesn't plan to re-sign in Tampa. His long term value will depend on his next team, and on a big contract next summer if he isn't traded.
Salary cap pools: at $9.5 million, he's still a bargain this season. Next year is when the price goes up.
The Lightning: if Kucherov leaves, Hagel, Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point will have to pick up the slack, and the power play is the thing to watch. Elliotte Friedman even floated a Larkin for Kucherov idea, but that's just an idea making the rounds.
For the full backstory, read our piece on Kucherov's trade request. We're following this one closely.