Check out the latest speculation about possible trade destinations for Nikita Kucherov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun looked at what’s next for the Tampa Bay Lightning after Nikita Kucherov’s shocking trade request on Friday.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images)

LeBrun writes that he believes Kucherov is “dead serious” about his trade request. The 33-year-old superstar intends to continue playing with the Lightning this season. However, LeBrun wondered if he might withhold his services at some point to force a trade.

Chris Johnston reports Kucherov sought a six-year extension worth an average annual value of $20 million. LeBrun indicated that his trade request isn’t a ploy to force the Lightning to meet his asking price.

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois released a statement indicating his club has no intention of trading Kucherov. However, if they change their minds, LeBrun suggested that a trade would be more likely to happen close to the March 1 trade deadline.

The Lightning are on the 10-team trade list of Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, who is sitting out awaiting a trade. LeBrun wondered if BriseBois would take a big swing by trying to acquire Larkin and unsigned defenseman Simon Edvinsson, with Kucherov perhaps getting flipped to another team in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would indeed be a big swing, but also very complicated to pull off, especially given the new constraints on salary retention to facilitate a trade.

As for teams on Kucherov’s 10-team list, LeBrun wouldn’t be surprised if the Montreal Canadiens are on it. He would also keep an eye on the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun doesn’t see the Lightning trading Kucherov to a division rival like the Canadiens, but he didn’t rule out Kucherov signing with the Habs if he goes to market on July 1.

Adding Kucherov would be a big step away from the Canadiens’ plan to add talent that matches the age group (mid-to-late 20s) of their young core. When they added older players, like Phillip Danault and Chris Kreider, they either had a year or two left on their contracts or they signed a short-term deal.

The Canadiens have over $29.7 million in salary cap space for 2027-28. However, signing him next summer at a $20 million AAV would leave them with just over $9.7 million and 15 active roster players under contract, with depth players like Phillip Danault, Josh Anderson, and Arber Xhekaj to re-sign or replace. He also wouldn’t address their ongoing need for a second-line center.

The Golden Knights seem to be in on every big-ticket player who becomes available in the trade or free-agent markets. However, their current salary-cap constraints mean they must move out significant salary to get him, gutting their roster in the process. They also lack depth in draft picks and prospects to use as trade capital.

SPORTSNET: David Amber, Jason Bukala, and Devante Smith-Pelley discussed potential destinations for Kucherov.

Amber said the first team that popped into his mind was the Minnesota Wild because they’re “hot and heavy” in pursuit of Dylan Larkin. Bukala speculated the Wild would have to include young forward Danila Yurov as part of the return.

Bukala suggested the Chicago Blackhawks, noting they have a lot of assets to use as trade bait. Smith-Pelley believes they need to get someone who can play with center Connor Bedard. He and Amber also discussed the Canadiens, with Smith-Pelley suggesting they won’t have as big a need for a second-line center if they add someone who likes to handle the puck like Kucherov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild still hope to re-sign Quinn Hughes, and if they do, they won’t be able to afford Kucherov’s next contract. However, if Hughes won’t commit and if they can’t land Larkin, maybe they could make a pitch for Kucherov. However, if what they’re offering for Larkin isn’t good enough for the Red Wings, it probably won’t be enough for the Lightning.

The Blackhawks have lots of cap space next season ($37.38 million) to sign Kucherov as a UFA. They could free up the cap space and tradeable assets to acquire him this season, though they’ll accrue more cap room if they wait until the trade deadline. However, they’ve been mired in a rebuild for several years, and Kucherov might prefer joining a more competitive team.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner believes New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche will be inquiring about Kucherov. The Isles are in dire need of an elite superstar to complement defenseman Matthew Schaefer.

Darche was part of the Lightning’s management team during their back-to-back Stanley Cup runs in 2020 and 2021.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring Kucherov (assuming he’ll join the Isles) could cost a young forward like Victor Eklund or Calum Ritchie. Would Darche offer up Mathew Barzal if the Lightning aren’t on his 22-team no-trade list? 

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan believes Kucherov “has his eyes set on playing with another one of the league’s top superstars and has a few players/teams in mind.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a wide-open field to choose from. Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks? Kaprizov if the Minnesota Wild don’t re-sign Quinn Hughes? Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche? Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs? Let your imagination run wild!