*Note: Stats courtesy of Frozen Tools

One of the NHL's premier players has requested a trade, as Nikita Kucherov wants out of Tampa Bay. Kucherov felt disrespected during contract negotiations with the Lightning, and as a result, he wants out of the franchise that he's spent his entire career with. Tampa has made it clear that they have no intention of trading their superstar despite him being a free agent at the season’s end. However, despite Tampa's unwillingness to move him, today we will be ranking potential trade destinations based on the likelihood of a deal coming to fruition, coupled with the possible fantasy value that he could hold if he landed with each franchise. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Nikita Kucherov Trade Destinations.

10. Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins have gotten off to a hot start, and as a result, they sit atop a loaded Atlantic Division. However, the Bruins still are thin up front, especially up the middle. Adding Nikita Kucherov would bolster their offense significantly and give the team the luxury of having the two best wingers in hockey. However, Boston would likely be served looking for help down the middle and targeting a player like Dylan Larkin.

9. Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago has been in the basement of the league for several seasons, and that hasn't changed this season. However, they were looking to take a step forward, and a blockbuster trade would certainly help them achieve that. They have the assets and the cap space to make a deal happen. However, it's unclear if Kucherov would accept a trade to a team that isn't a legitimate playoff threat. His fantasy value would certainly take a hit with the lack of talent surrounding him, but the Blackhawks remain on the list due to being in one of the best positions to acquire the superstar forward.

8. Ottawa Senators

Despite adding William Eklund in the offseason, the Ottawa Senators still need to replace the hole left behind by Brady Tkachuk on the wing. Kucherov would not only fill that void but also be a massive upgrade. The Senators have a solid defense group as well as a solid number one goalie in Linus Ullmark. It feels as though the main thing holding them back from taking that next step is up front. Kucherov would transform their offense and form a dynamic duo alongside Tim Stutzle.

7. Detroit Red Wings

Despite the Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson situations, the Red Wings don't seem keen on entering another rebuild. Instead, they want to retool around the current core they have. Adding a player like Nikita Kucherov and getting him to extend in the Motor City would certainly help keep players in Detroit as well as attract free agents. Adding Larkin in the trade package would essentially kill two birds with one.

6. Edmonton Oilers

A deal to Edmonton seems extremely unlikely based solely on the Oilers cap structure. However, a power play that features Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and Nikita Kucherov seems unfair. This would make the league’s most dangerous power play even more of a threat. A line that features Kucherov alongside the Oilers superstars would likely make for three 150-plus-point scorers at minimum.  The league would be terrified to see a deal like this come to fruition. However, Edmonton is one of the more unlikely destinations on this list. The Oilers crack the top five in the rankings based solely on the potential fantasy impact this move would have for Kucherov and the rest of the team’s stars.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs seem like a bit of an unlikely destination for Kucherov due to their cap situation, as it would likely mean sacrificing their new addition, Kirill Marchenko. However, they find themselves this high on the list purely due to the fantasy value that a trade to Toronto would bring. Playing alongside Auston Matthews could create the most dynamic duo in the league outside of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Kucherov's willingness to play up north coupled with GM John Chayka's bold moves thus far means this trade remains in the realm of possibility.  

4. Utah Mammoth

The Utah Mammoth have one of the most exciting young cores in the NHL and are likely only a few moves away from opening their cup window. Utah also has the luxury of having several young prospects that they could package to acquire Kucherov. Surrounding its young core with a veteran like him would certainly accelerate their process. Kucherov makes everyone around him better, which would make a team that already possesses tremendous fantasy value one of the deepest teams in the league in that regard.

3. Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas seems to always be in the mix when discussing trade destinations as they've become a premier hockey destination. They lost Pavel Dorofeyev in the offseason, which left a hole in their top-six. Rookie Trevor Connelly has filled in nicely, but he's no Nikita Kucherov. Vegas made the Stanley Cup Final last season and would have a great shot at making a return trip with a major acquisition like this. Playing alongside elite talent like Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and Mark Stone would bode well for his fantasy value.

2. Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens might be in the best position of any franchise to acquire a player like Kucherov. Despite being one of the youngest teams in the NHL, the Canadiens made it to the Eastern Conference Final, and their cup window is opening. Adding Kucherov makes them instant Cup contenders. Montreal has the assets to make a sizable offer and also has one of the best cap structures in the NHL. It was reported that he would consider a move to Canada, and if that's the case, the Canadiens should be considered one of the favorites to land him.

1. Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning find themselves in very similar situations right now. Both have uncertainty surrounding their star players in Jason Robertson and Nikita Kucherov. Could a one-for-one swap make sense for both clubs? Adding Robertson helps keep the Lightning cup window open longer, as he is the younger forward. Kucherov is the superior player right now, however, and would give the Stars an even more dangerous forward group. More importantly, it solves the issues facing all parties and contract negotiations.

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