Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov met with media Monday for the first time since his trade request went public Friday and said his shocking decision to ask out was a result of feeling disrespected by the organization.
"It was never about the money for me," Kucherov said, per Eduardo Encina of the Tampa Bay Times. "More about poor communication and respect. Over the last four months, we only have had two conversations. (General manager) Julien (BriseBois), in the end, made it clear that I'm free to walk on July 1."
Kucherov became eligible to sign an extension this past summer. He reportedly turned down a multi-year contract that would have paid him $15 million annually, which would have matched Connor Bedard for the fifth-highest cap hit in the league.
Kucherov is in the final season of an eight-year deal with a $9.5-million average annual value, which has proven to be a major bargain for Tampa Bay. Over the course of his current deal, Kucherov ranks second in the NHL in points per game (1.53) and has won two scoring titles, an MVP, and two Stanley Cups.
He recently became the Lightning's all-time leader in points and has registered four goals and 14 assists in 13 appearances this season.
BriseBois said the club has no intention of trading Kucherov this season, and the winger insists he remains committed to the Lightning as long as he's on the roster.
"For now, I'm part of this team, and I will do anything I can to help my teammates win," he said.
The Lightning drafted Kucherov 58th overall in 2011.
