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Tampa Bay Lightning superstar winger Nikita Kucherov is open to the possibility of a trade to the Montreal Canadiens, according to prominent NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. Kucherov has asked to be moved out of Tampa Bay after the two sides could not come to terms on a contract extension that the player views as fair market value ahead of unrestricted free agency next summer.
The Canadiens, a young and ascending club, could clearly benefit from adding an elite first-line winger of Kucherov's caliber. The Russian forward has a 10-team trade list that he can submit to the Lightning, and Montreal appears to be on it, which could make for a perfect fit for both the player and the team.
Friedman: Kucherov Open to Canada
According to Friedman, Kucherov is open to playing in Canada and has both Montreal and Toronto on his trade list. "I do believe that if Tampa was going to trade him and Montreal and Toronto could come up with a package that Tampa would like, those are two teams, among many, he would consider," Friedman said.
If the Canadiens want to acquire Kucherov, they likely have the means to make a trade, as they possess a mix of roster players, prospects, and draft picks that could make a fair deal worthwhile for both clubs. Friedman noted during his TV segment that he believes the Lightning will try to hold out hope that Kucherov changes his mind and stays, as they are obviously a much better team with the two-time NHL MVP on the roster.
But if Kucherov truly wants out, a trade between Montreal and Tampa Bay makes a lot of sense based on how well the two teams match up in a trade. It remains to be seen what happens, but it does feel like Montreal is absolutely a destination that Kucherov is willing to consider a trade to and one where he would sign an extension.
Originally reported by yahoo.