Pierre LeBrun just reported that Mikhail Sergachev remains close with Nikita Kucherov, and the Mammoth would try to get involved if possible.
The Lightning star's future has hung over the league since Chris Johnston's report that Kucherov is open to a new team, and also to finishing the season in Tampa Bay. Every new detail now gets picked apart in every market.
LeBrun noted that Sergachev remains close with Kucherov and that Utah no doubt would try to get involved if possible.
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Read that for what it is. It is a read on who might call, not a report that the Mammoth have talked to Tampa Bay, and nothing in it says a deal is close.
Sergachev is a 28-year-old defenseman with 20 points in 18 games this season. Utah is 10-7-1 and has lost two straight, so the Mammoth are in the middle of the pack, not running away with anything.
LeBrun also made clear that Kucherov is nowhere near a destination, saying the winger hasn't even sat down for a deep dive on where his NHL career continues, so there is no shortlist.
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Which teams are in the Kucherov mix?
Officially, none, because there is no list. Joe Smith has pitched Minnesota as a landing spot, and LeBrun's note adds Utah as a team that would at least pick up the phone.
Elliotte Friedman said this is not a negotiation tactic. Chris Johnston doubts a bigger extension would change Kucherov's mind. Both points matter because his contract expires at the end of this season and he would hit the market as a UFA.
A team that wants him has to trade for the right to talk. Trading a 33-year-old who leads his team in scoring is a hard sell for a Tampa Bay club that is 11-4-2 and third in the Atlantic. Waiting looks like the safer play, but LeBrun's no-shortlist report on Kucherov suggests the clock is not the one running the show.
Kucherov has 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists) in 17 games, tops on the Lightning. They lost 4-3 in Winnipeg on Sunday and visit Buffalo on Wednesday.
Quick hits
NEW YORK ISLANDERS: Bo Horvat had a blunt message after last night's shootout loss in San Jose. He wants the team back to what it was early in the season. That's a captain's tone, and the room will hear it.
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WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Alexander Ovechkin walks into Ottawa tonight with the Capitals on a 10-game goalless drought, according to Coming In Hot. Somebody has to break it, and the Senators would rather it not be them.
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CAROLINA HURRICANES: Tom Gulitti posted the Hurricanes' practice lines this morning from Helsinki. They give a first look at how Rod Brind'Amour could line up against the Kraken in the opener.
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MONTREAL CANADIENS: The Canadiens are mourning the death of former forward and Stanley Cup champion Bobby Sheehan. The club shared the news on its official account.
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NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Daniel Amoia reports that Connor Hellebuyck will meet the media in Winnipeg after this morning's skate, hours before the Devils face the Jets. Expect the questions to be as warm as the building.
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Also read on Markerzone.com:
Chris Johnston sizes up Dylan Larkin's trade market
