For now, despite the buzz, it can remain business as usual for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nikita Kucherov.
Both certainly did what they could to show that any behind-the-scenes drama impacting the team wouldn’t show up on the ice. In the 5-4 loss to the Nashville Predators in the shootout, Kucherov recorded three assists.
He may have asked to be traded. But while he’s here, he’s going to do what it takes to help his team win the game. That says something about his competitive nature.
Other teams, such as the Winnipeg Jets and the Detroit Red Wings, have had to suspend players before trading them or reach the point where a trade is the only option. That’s not the case for the Lightning.
So, a player sitting out is not a reason for the Lightning to have to cut their losses. Even an immediate word that Kucherov won’t re-sign doesn’t warrant them having to trade him.
However, there will still be a point later this season where it could still make sense to find a trade partner. It’s Nov. 1. They have time to see if an extension can be hammered out. However, they will reach a point where time will be running out.
Lightning should take the trade deadline into consideration
This is by no means an encouragement for the Lightning to trade Kucherov. If you can figure it out, then figure it out.
With that said, the Lightning have already let one franchise player walk without getting anything in return. Yes, they were in contention then. They’re in contention now. Why not just let Kucherov walk at the end of the year and try to get one more run with him?
Because for the long term, it’s just not wise to do that. This is a team where the future is already a question mark. They have key prospects, but the system still isn’t deep.
At 28.88 years old, according to Elite Prospects, the Lightning are the fourth oldest team in the NHL. Key players such as Kucherov, Victor Hedman, Brayden Point, Ryan McDonagh, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jake Guentzel are all 30 years or older.
Only seven players who have seen action this season are under the age of 27. One year, this team will hit the wall other cup contenders do.
If Kucherov can agree to an extension by March 1, then by all means, feel free to keep it going with this group. If that’s not the case, there is an opportunity to seriously stockpile the system with talent.
No, that doesn’t mean they’d find a new Kucherov. That’s a risk that comes with taking this route. No Kucherov would mean that the Lightning would have to restructure their entire offense.
But getting better prepared to be contenders long term is the only real reason the Lightning would even consider trading Kucherov.
Remember, this isn’t saying they should do it. This is simply saying that there is only one logical reason to part ways, and the reasoning behind it.
We’ll see what unfolds. Ideally, the Lightning get their way and keep their reigning MVP. If not, a discussion should at least be had in the coming months.
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