It’s no doubt the Tampa Bay Lightning have had their share of success in recent years, such as reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2015 before they ultimately fell to the Chicago Blackhawks. One of their main reasons for such impeccable play is their Russian rifle, Nikita Kucherov. And now, the 25-year-old Russian stud is staying put as he inked an eight-year contract extension on Tuesday to remain in Tampa Bay.
Kucherov is a two-time All-Star for the Lightning and this contract will keep him in the Sunshine State until the end of the 2026-27 season. The deal is reportedly worth an average annual value of $9.5 million, making him one of the highest paid forwards in the National Hockey League.
“I’d like to thank the Lightning organization and all the fans for the support since making the Bay Area my home,” Kucherov said.
In the 2017-18 season, the Russian netted thirty-nine goals and totaled one hundred points and ranked third in the entire league in points. He appeared in seventeen playoff games in 2018, having sixteen points in the postseason (seven goals, nine assists). Kucherov has played in 365 career games in the NHL, all with the Tampa Bay Lightning, so it makes perfect sense as to why he wants to stay in Florida.
Kucherov, along with line partner Steven Stamkos, are one of the league’s deadliest duos, and with the Russian rifle himself officially back in Tampa Bay, the hockey world better watch out. Congratulations to Kucherov on a well-deserved contract extension!
