NHL Trade Rumor: Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders emerge as top landing spots for $76M Tampa Bay Lightning's star.(Image via X)Nikita Kucherov, the Tampa Bay Lightning star player, has found his name floating in trade rumors since the last few weeks. With the team experiencing a first round playoffs exit for the fourth consecutive time, it seems the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders have emerged as potential landing spots.CategoryDetailsPlayerNikita KucherovCurrent TeamTampa Bay LightningRumored TeamsCarolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles KingsContract Status1 Year Remaining (UFA in 2027)Salary Cap Hit (New Team)$9.50 Million average annual value (AAV)Trade LikelihoodLow (Management prioritizes a long-term contract extension over a trade)Latest Insider UpdateCarolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders have emerged as key potential landing spots if extension talks stall later this yearPotential ReturnA massive haul including a first-round draft pick, a top-tier prospect, and an NHL-ready roster playerWhich teams are interested in Nikita Kucherov?While a number of teams have been linked to him, it seems the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings could be making a move for him.What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?A few days ago, Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson noted, “Another failure to advance to the Stanley Cup Final, however, could entice Tulsky to consider adding a leading forward such as Kucherov. He would slot in along Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov on the top line or with Taylor Hall and Stankoven on the second line. With $14.2 million of projected salary-cap space and 19 active roster players under contract for 2026-27, the Hurricanes can afford the final season of Kucherov's contract. They also have space beyond next season to re-sign him.”He added, “The Lightning's asking price could include a forward such as Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, or Jackson Blake. Promising defenseman Alexander Nikishin could also be enticing, or a prospect such as Bradly Nadeau.”Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson added about the New York Islanders as he wrote, “Adding a major name such as Nikita Kucherov would provide an immediate boost to their offensive fortunes. He could skate on their first line with center Bo Horvat or on the second line with Mathew Barzal. With $12.6 million in projected salary-cap space for next season and 19 active roster players under contract, there's room for the Isles to add Kucherov to their lineup for next season. They'll also have room to re-sign him if he's willing to stay.”Contract details and salary cap implicationsThe Tampa Bay Lightning star player Nikita Kucherov has a 8 year deal with the team whc is all set to expire in the next season.If traded, the Tampa Bay Lightning will face no dead cap penalty as his $9.5 million salary willl instantly clear off the team’s books.How will the trade affect the teams?For the Carolina Hurricanes, trading for Nikita Kucherov remains affordable since the team has $9.88 million in available cap space. Signing him on would immediately create an elite first line.For the New York Islanders, trading for Nikita Kucherov seems expensive without major contract restructure.