Kucherov, Bolts Unable To Extend Contract Before Training Camp Begins
By Mike Smith | Thunderstruck Sports
Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning continue to discuss a new contract extension as training camp begins, with Bolts General Manager Julien BriseBois expecting the elite forward to remain with the organization for "many years to come." When that deal will be inked and what it will entail remain a mystery.
Kucherov enters the 2026-27 season in the final year of his eight-year contract worth $9.5 million a year. With several major NHL signings this summer, the lack of a signed agreement as the season begins may point to a larger gap between the two sides than expected.
"Throughout these contract negotiations, both parties I know would prefer to have a deal today to put that behind us," BriseBois said Wednesday. "We haven't been able to do that. I'm still in touch with his agent to keep the lines of communication open with the goal being to get Nikita signed to a contract that will keep him in Tampa many years to come."
An opportunity for an eight-year deal went by the wayside when the new collective bargaining agreement went into effect on Wednesday. Limited to a maximum of seven years going forward, age may factor into negotiations.
Whether a negotiation tactic or not, BriseBois was very complimentary of the 34-year-old's performance on the ice.
"Nikita is a historically great player," BriseBois said. "Not just one of the best players in the world right now -- maybe the best player in the world right now. He is one of the best players ever. The past three years are the best stretch for a player aged 30-32, for a forward anyway, ever in the history of the league. That's how incredible his performance has been."
"I have every reason to believe that he's going to remain an elite player well into his 30s."
Kucherov Focuses on the Ice
The Russian phenom continues to put up Hall of Fame numbers as he enters his 13th NHL season. He was second in the league with 130 points and won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player for the second time.
Again, whether it's negotiation tactics or not, Kucherov made it clear he won't discuss the contract issue, which could leave him an unrestricted free agent next summer.
"What's on my mind? My mind is trying to help the team this year," Kucherov said Wednesday when asked where his focus was entering the season. "I control what I can control. I will do my best when I'm on the ice. That's what I am focused on right now."
Kucherov's focus on his game is needed if the Lightning hope to buck the trend of first-round playoff exits in 2026-27. After four straight early playoff exits, time is of the essence if Tampa Bay wants to win a Stanley Cup with its current roster.
"Obviously, last year didn't go as we wanted," Kucherov said. "It was a long summer, and there was a lot of time to put some work on and get better in some areas."
Ever coy, the Hart Trophy winner didn't mince words when asked what he thought of league play as it has evolved since his arrival over a decade ago.
"The game now is a lot faster, but dumb. That's all I can say," he said confidently. "Yes, it is faster, but it's very dumb. Low IQ."
When asked for clarification on his remarks, in what way was it dumb, he simply replied with a slight grin:
"(The) Hockey Way. That's all I can say. I mean, obviously you know a lot of guys that have very high IQs, and it contours to the way they play. But there's a lot of guys that...well..."
Season brings hope...hopefully not distraction.
As training camp opens this week, a potential contract showdown looms. BriseBois said Wednesday that he won't speak on the matter again until an extension is announced.
That could lead to an awkward silence similar to the one that occurred the season before former Bolts captain Steven Stamkos left for Nashville, a silence the Lightning would like to avoid this time around.
"I say the sooner the better, obviously," BriseBois said on getting a deal done. "There's no timeline. If you want to get technical, he won't be a free agent until July 1 of next year. Hopefully it won't get to that point."
The relationship between Kucherov and Tampa Bay has been relatively good for both sides over the years. The area has embraced Kucherov as a local hero. The team has benefited from his brilliant play.
Kucherov has reached the 100-point mark in each of the past four seasons, tied for the second-longest active streak in the NHL. He is also one of five players to record 100 assists in a season.
Despite the individual accomplishments, one thing resonates in Kucherov's mantra entering the season:
"(The) ultimate goal is to make (the) playoffs and to win the Cup!"
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