A Nikita Kucherov trade request has already sent the rumor mill spinning, and the Rangers keep getting dragged into the middle of it.
During an appearance on DFO Insider late last week, David Pagnotta floated New York as a possible landing spot for the Tampa Bay star, even suggesting that ownership could lean on president and general manager Chris Drury to make a move. Pagnotta said, “I really do wonder about the Rangers,” and added, “And whether or not Jimmy Dolan was going to go over to Chris Drury's office and say, go, now, Kucherov, now.”
He did pump the brakes a bit on the speculation, saying he doesn’t know whether New York is actually one of Kucherov’s preferred destinations. CapWages lists the winger with a modified no-trade clause, giving him the ability to submit a list of 10 teams he would accept a trade to.
Pagnotta revisited the idea Monday on Leafs Morning Take, saying he thinks the Rangers “would be all over him, is what I should say.”
Kucherov then added more detail Monday when he spoke to Tampa Bay media. He said the request was “never about the money,” but instead about “poor communication and respect.” Kucherov also said that over the last four months, he had only two conversations with the Lightning about his future.
“Julien [BriseBois] made it clear, I'm free to walk on July 1,” Kucherov said, making little effort to hide his frustration with how things have played out.
When asked whether he could picture a scenario where he stays in Tampa Bay, Kucherov left little room for doubt.
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