Thursday Morning Fly By: Visiting the garden

Nikita Kucherov’s agent, Dan Milstein, went on the DFO Insider podcast on Wednesday and confirmed what many had suspected — the star winger’s time with the Tampa Bay Lightning is coming to an end.

“It’s time to move on,” Milstein told hosts Jeff Marek and David Pagnotta.

Kucherov, 32, has spent his entire NHL career with the Lightning since being drafted in the second round of the 2011 NHL Draft.

He has helped the franchise reach the Stanley Cup Final four times — in 2015, 2020, 2021 and 2022 — and won the Cup in back-to-back years in 2020 and 2021.

Milstein made clear that the split is not about bad blood with general manager Julien Brisebois.

“I can’t say anything bad about him,” Milstein said.

“I believe we’re on very, very good terms. We’ve done business for a very long time. He’s done a very good job and he’s been very successful at his job for the Tampa Bay Lightning over the years.”

But Milstein then hinted at a breakdown that occurred last summer.

“Looking back at this past summer, I wish that both him and I did things a little bit different,” Milstein said.

“And I’ll just leave it at that, guys.”

He did not elaborate on what exactly went wrong.

Kucherov officially requested a trade last week, a move that sent shockwaves through the NHL.

Under the terms of his contract, Kucherov must provide the Lightning with a list of 10 teams he would approve for a trade.

If no deal is reached before the summer, Kucherov will become an unrestricted free agent — one of the biggest in NHL history.

Despite the trade request, Milstein insisted that Kucherov remains close with his teammates and head coach Jon Cooper.

“Nikita is very much liked by everybody,” Milstein said.

“Yes, he pushes everybody around him to be better, but I will call out everyone who is going to be posting negative derogatory comments that have absolutely no substance. So Nikita is very good friends with all of his teammates. Jon Cooper and Nikita Kucherov have a phenomenal relationship.”

Milstein also addressed the notion that Kucherov might hold out or stop playing hard for the Lightning.

He said that is not the case.

Kucherov is expected to continue playing with the Bolts until a trade is finalized or he hits free agency.

The timing of the situation has created a massive storyline across the league.

Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers have all been mentioned as potential suitors.

The Athletic recently published a list of 16 NHL stats analyzing Kucherov’s value as a potential UFA.

ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski wrote about “the most fascinating” landing spots for the star forward.

Daily Faceoff reported that Milstein “spilled the beans” about the entire situation on the podcast.

Milstein’s full interview is available on the DFO Insider podcast.

For now, the hockey world is waiting to see which 10 teams Kucherov puts on his trade list.

That list will determine where the bidding starts.

Kucherov is one of the most dynamic offensive players of his generation.

He has recorded 100 or more points in four different NHL seasons.

In 2023-24, he led the league in scoring with 144 points and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

His combination of elite skill, hockey IQ and competitive drive makes him a franchise-changing addition for any team.

The Lightning, meanwhile, face a difficult decision.

They can try to trade Kucherov before the deadline and get a return of assets.

Or they can hold onto him for a playoff run and risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

Milstein’s comments suggest that the relationship has deteriorated beyond the point of repair.

“Things went horribly wrong beyond the repair probably at this point in time, and it’s unfortunate but it’s at the conclusion of the season it’s time to move on,” he said.