NHL Trade Rumor: Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils emerge as top landing spots for $76M Tampa Bay Lightning's star

The Tampa Bay Lightning's star player Nikita Kucherov has failed to perform well in the last season and this has sparked many rumors about a potential trade even as the team has shut down such speculations. Amid all the mess, the Los Angeles Kings and the New Jersey Devils have emerged as potential landing spots.In the last few weeks, a number of rival teams have been linked to Nikita Kucherov even as he recorded a poor performance on the ice.As per NHL insiders, it seems the Los Angeles Kings and the New Jersey Devils could be making a move for him.A few days ago, Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report noted, “Taking on the remaining year of Kucherov's contract won't be an issue for the Kings, who have over $18.5 million in cap space for next season with 18 active roster players under contract. However, it could complicate efforts to re-sign defenseman Brandt Clarke and checking-line center Scott Laughton.”Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report added, “Clarke could be part of the Lightning's asking price. The Kings have limited prospects to offer up as part of the return. They could include a first-round pick, plus they have two second-rounders in this year's draft and in 2028 to draw on.”He continued, “The Devils have a projected $11.9 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27, with 18 active roster players under contract. That gives them enough room for Kucherov's $9.5 million AAV. Part of that cap room would go to restricted free agent defenseman Šimon Nemec, but he could be part of the Lightning's asking price. It could also include at least one of the Devils' first-round picks and a skilled prospect such as goaltender Mikhail Yegorov or defenseman Anton Silayev.”The Tampa Bay Lightning's star player Nikita Kucherov is entering the final year of his eight year deal with the team.For the Tampa Bay Lightning, trading Nikita Kucherov could lead to the team facing zero dead cap penalties and clearing off his entire $9.5 million cap hit from the team's books.For the Los Angeles Kings, trading for Nikita Kucherov remains unaffordable since the team has only $2 million in cap space.For the New Jersey Devils, trading for Nikita Kucherov remains a bit expensive but he could fix their offense by placing an elite playmaker alongside Jack Hughes.