Lightning star Kucherov says trade request not about money

Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov says his trade request is not about a big payday.

"It was never about the money to me," he told reporters. "It was more about poor communication and respect. Over the last four months we have only had two conversations. (GM) Julien (BriseBois) in them made clear I'm free to walk on July 1."

That's when Kucherov can become an unrestricted free agent. He makes $9.5 million in the last year of his eight-year deal but could be looking at twice that much after winning two Hart Trophies and two Stanley Cups in 13 seasons with the Lightning.

After word of Kucherov's trade request became public, BriseBois put out a statement saying, "we unequivocally have no…