Kucherov's Performance Highlights Why Breaking Up is Hard to Do
By Mike Smith | Thunderstruck Sports
Nikita Kucherov scored his eighth career hat trick and tied Martin St. Louis for the second most in Tampa Bay Lightning history behind Steven Stamkos in an 8-3 rout of division rival Buffalo Sabres Wednesday night. That was simply the tip of the iceberg at KeyBank Center and another example of why the impending breakup between the Bolts' legend and the only team he has ever played for is getting harder to swallow.
On Wednesday night alone, Kucherov recorded his third career natural hat trick, good for the most in Lightning history. He also tied St. Louis again for the most three-goal periods in Lightning history with three, notched his second career four-point period to tie Brandon Hagel for the most in team history, and became the third player in Tampa Bay history to record 20 multi-goal periods, joining Stamkos (33) and St. Louis (24).
Kucherov finished the night with four points (3 goals, 1 assist) and is now up to 26 points this season (8 goals, 18 assists), leading the team's scoring leaderboard, with Jake Guentzel (10G, 12A, 22 pts) four points behind.
After a performance like that, the shouting of fans and pundits alike (cue TNT's Paul Bissonnette) from the mountaintop is clear:
"Pay Him!"
Unfortunately, it's well documented that option isn't available to the Lightning in current form. Kucherov is seeking a staggering $120 million over six years. Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois countered with half that ($60M) over four years.
Neither Kucherov nor his agent Dan Milstein, nor BriseBois, flinched at the negotiation table.
Therefore, the breakup is on, and it's tugging at the heartstrings of the Tampa Bay community.
It's Not You, It's Us
No one is arguing that Kucherov doesn't deserve a payday for his past efforts. The two-time Hart Trophy winner and reigning league MVP has done his part to ensure the Lightning's success over the past decade.
The question is: how much of a payday should he receive as he ages out of a league that is getting younger and younger, and faster and faster?
That's the struggle BriseBois and the Lightning faced this summer, and it led to an impasse and Kucherov's trade demand.
The old adage is that past performance is not indicative of future results, and this is certainly a test of the adage.
If the team met Kucherov's request, he would be 39 at the end of his six-year deal, and the mileage could catch up with him. As great as he is playing now, one injury in the next few years could limit the team's ability to replace him and derail the entire franchise.
If the team met Kucherov's request, it would come at a significant price that could undermine the success Kucherov himself has helped build. Even with an increasing salary cap over the next few years, the team would struggle to sign players such as Andrei Vasilevskiy, Brandon Hagel, and up-and-coming prospects like Sam O'Reilly to long-term deals.
The money won't be there to keep the core players Kucherov and the Lightning need to be successful.
So BriseBois, the Lightning front office, and team ownership have basically told their superstar forward, "It's not you, Nikita, it's us."
And that has not sat well with fans.
Breaking Up is Hard to Do
As with many breakups, this one has gotten messy and will probably continue to get messier.
In the end, Lightning fans feel the brunt of this impending divorce. They are the innocent ones in this relationship gone sour, and their feelings are just as sour.
Some fans want the team to relent and pay Kucherov exactly what he wants. They simply ask for $120 million to be given to Kucherov, plus the head of BriseBois on a silver platter as tribute from controlling owner Jeff Vinik, and majority owners Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz for putting them through the agony.
What we forget is that BriseBois does not have the autonomy to pay Kucherov the salary he demanded. Any decision, contract, or trade BriseBois makes must be approved by team ownership. Whether ownership has $120 million lying around the office is irrelevant.
They've hired BriseBois to work out situations like this and have placed their trust in him whether fans like it or not.
BriseBois is not being fired any time soon, Bolts Nation. Let it go.
Others feel betrayed by the Russian phenomenon and want him gone sooner rather than later. They cite what they perceive as Kucherov's greed over the team's success.
Again, no one doubts Kucherov's past performance, current performance, or that he doesn't deserve to get paid. However, his trade request two weeks ago has been seen as a little tirade and may have hurt him more than helped.
No matter what, the whole situation hurts deep inside every Lightning fan. Undoubtedly, it's also hurting Kucherov, Brisebois, and every member of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization.
We all want the rom-com movie happy ending, where the feuding couple works everything out and live happily ever after when the film credits start rolling.
Sadly, we aren't going to see that ending the way any of us are hoping.
Eventually, Tampa Bay will move on from its franchise star, and Kucherov will move on from the only team he's ever played for.
We will all hurt for a while, but life will go on. Eventually, we will heal.
Hopefully, wins and Cup runs for years to come will help the healing process.
Everyone should enjoy nights like Wednesday night when we see a master artisan at work. May his apprentices continue to learn and grow while class continues for a few more months.
May we, as loyal fans who hope for the best, continue to remind ourselves that this impasse shall pass one way or the other, and to enjoy what we have while we have it.
Comments