Rumor
Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic) writes that teams are lining up for Nikita Kucherov, either before March 1 or for July 1. One NHL GM told him all 31 teams will want him. Friedman and Pagnotta weigh in too. For poolers, he has 18 points in 13 games
Nikita Kucherov · Tampa Bay Lightning · 
New York Rangers · 
Chicago Blackhawks · 
Vegas Golden Knights
Elliotte Friedman (Spittin' Chiclets, Oct. 26) thinks Leo Carlsson's 18 million a year deal reset everything in the Kucherov file. Reports suggest Kucherov's ask climbed to as much as 20 million a season on a long term deal after that contract was signed.
“it reset everything”
Elliotte Friedman (32 Thoughts, Nov. 2) doesn't buy the idea that Julien BriseBois is taking a hard line with an aging player on Kucherov. In his view this isn't about the aging curve. One more angle on the trade request.
“not about the aging curve”
Elliotte Friedman (32 Thoughts, Nov. 2) says Tampa wanted to keep Kucherov, but the player got it in his head that he wasn't a priority. A proud, passionate guy, he finally said he'd had enough. That's the backstory behind the trade request.
“I've had enough”
Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic, Oct. 31) says to keep an eye on Vegas in the Kucherov file. In his view it's just the kind of home run swing Kelly McCrimmon keeps pulling off. A team to watch, not a reported offer.
“I would keep an eye on Vegas”
Elliotte Friedman (32 Thoughts, Nov. 2) says one GM told him that if Kucherov's ask really is six years at 20 million, you need to be ready to ante up 120 million just to get in the game. A huge price that should thin out the real suitors.
“an ante of 120 million dollars”
David Pagnotta (DFO Insider, Oct. 30) figures the Rangers and Chicago would be two teams in pursuit of Nikita Kucherov, if they're on his list. It's an educated guess, not a reported offer.
“two teams that would probably be in pursuit”
Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic) writes that teams are lining up for Nikita Kucherov, either before March 1 or for July 1. One NHL GM told him all 31 teams will want him. Friedman and Pagnotta weigh in too. For poolers, he has 18 points in 13 games.
“31 teams will want 86”
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