Jon Cooper: Nikita Kucherov '100% a Part of This Team' Despite Trade Request

Coach Jon Cooper confirmed Nikita Kucherov remains committed to the Lightning for the current season despite the winger requesting a trade and providing a 10-team list.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov remained in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Nashville Predators despite requesting a trade on Friday. ESPN reports that the 33-year-old informed teammates of his status before arriving in Nashville and provided management with a list of 10 teams to which he would approve a move via his limited no-trade clause. Kucherov, an unrestricted free agent next summer, has informed the organization he will not sign a new contract.

General manager Julien BriseBois stated Friday night that the team has no intention of trading the two-time Hart Trophy winner. Kucherov has spent his entire 13-season NHL career in Tampa Bay, where he has won two Stanley Cups and three scoring titles. He will turn 34 in June.

Coach Jon Cooper told the Tampa Bay Times that Kucherov is committed to the group for the remainder of the season. Cooper emphasized that the team's goals remain unchanged and that he will continue to coach the superstar as he has for the past decade. The Lightning entered Saturday's contest with an 8-3-1 record, holding the first wild-card position in the Eastern Conference.