It all went down in an interview 10,000 miles away, in Russia. In an interview with a Russian newspaper (original Russian, here’s a breakdown in English), Nikita Kucherov took a shot at the Lightning, saying that they “took their money and walked away” when Steven Stamkos got injured, causing them to miss the playoffs. He also complained about how the lines were shifted so often that he couldn’t create chemistry with any linemates.
After voicing this much displeasure, it is likely that Kucherov wants out of Tampa Bay, and honestly, the New York Islanders are the perfect team for him.