Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov requests a trade, Anton Lundell becomes the latest member of the Panthers to tally a hat trick this month, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

KUCHEROV WON’T RE-SIGN WITH THE LIGHTNING AND REQUESTS A TRADE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman broke the news that Nikita Kucherov won’t sign an extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning and has requested a trade, informing Lightning management and his teammates of his decision.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images)

Kucherov, 33, is in the final season of his eight-year, $76 million contract. He’s the reigning Hart Trophy winner and recently surpassed Steven Stamkos as the Lightning’s all-time leading scorer.

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois subsequently released a statement acknowledging the reports about Kucherov’s decision. However, he also indicated that the club “unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita.”

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Kucherov intends to continue playing with the Lightning this season while this situation plays out.

Chris Johnston reported league sources said Kucherov sought a six-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $20 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No one saw this bombshell coming. Pundits were surprised when the season began with no extension for Kucherov, but the consensus was the two sides would sort it out before next July, given how much he loved living and playing in Tampa Bay.

The early speculation suggests Kucherov isn’t happy because the Lightning balked at his camp’s contract proposal. TSN’s Pierre Lebrun doesn’t believe the trade request is a ploy to force them to meet his asking price.

Unlike Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, Kucherov isn’t sitting out awaiting a trade. Nevertheless, it could get awkward for the Lightning to have him on the roster knowing this season is his last.

If the Bolts management change their minds about trading Kucherov, his contract will be a sticking point. He carries a $9.5 million AAV and a 10-team trade list.

Meanwhile, speculation has begun about where Kucherov could get traded. You can read about them in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell is the latest member of the club to tally a hat trick this month, leading his club to a 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Seth Jones had a goal and two assists, and Sam Reinhart had a goal and an assist for the Panthers, who improved to 8-4-2. Kyle Connor scored his 10th goal of the season for the Jets (4-7-3), who are winless in their last eight games (0-6-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers have the second-most hat tricks (five) in a calendar month. The Edmonton Oilers hold the record with seven in December 1985. As for the Jets, the wheels have come off following a promising start to this season.

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck got his second win with the New Jersey Devils as they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2. Hellebuyck made 19 saves while Jack Hughes and Arseny Gritsyuk each scored two goals for the Devils (9-5-0). Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev replied for the 9-5-1 Golden Knights.

Calgary Flames forward Matt Coronato had a goal and three assists in a 6-2 upset of the Seattle Kraken. Joel Farabee had a goal and two assists, and Matvei Gridin and Morgan Frost each scored a goal and picked up an assist for the 6-7-0 Flames. Mackie Samoskevich had a goal and an assist for the Kraken (8-5-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Flames announced goaltender Devin Cooley is week-to-week with a lower-body injury suffered during Wednesday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. Arsenii Sergeev was recalled to back up Dustin Wolf.

IN OTHER NEWS…

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson is expected to miss the next eight weeks with an ankle injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Vancouver Canucks placed center Filip Chytil on injured reserve after suffering a hard hit during Thursday’s game against the San Jose Sharks.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators winger Hayden Hodgson received a two-game suspension from the NHL department of player safety for a hit to the head of Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Anaheim Ducks returned rookie winger Nikita Klepov to the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit.

NHL.COM: Hall of Fame linesman Matt Pavelich died on Friday at age 92.

Pavelich was the first linesman to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He officiated in the league for 23 seasons, totaling 1,727 regular-season games as a linesman and 14 more as a referee. He also worked 245 Stanley Cup playoff games, including 19 consecutive Cup Finals between 1961 and 1979.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Pavelich’s family, friends, and colleagues.