Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper believes star winger Nikita Kucherov wants to remain a part of the Lightning this season despite news of his trade request Friday.
"Kuch is 100% a part of this team. He wants to be a part of this team for this season, and he is committed to be with the group that loves him and the group he loves," Cooper said before Saturday's game at the Nashville Predators, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Kucherov was in the lineup for the Lightning for Saturday's game.
An unrestricted free agent next summer, Kucherov informed the Lightning he would not sign another contract with them.