NHL Rumors: Nikita Kucherov close to deal with Tampa Bay Lightning

Feb 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Jeff Zatkoff (37) makes a save against Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Tampa Bay won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Bob McKenzie expects Nikita Kucherov to reach a deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning shortly.

Despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2015-16, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s offseason has been dramatic. After expecting to lose captain Steven Stamkos, they wound up keeping him for below market value. Most of their drama, though, has revolved around restricted free agent Nikita Kucherov. He hasn’t signed a deal yet, but Bob McKenzie expects him to sign one by Thursday.

Negotiations intensifying between TB and Nikita Kucherov. Not yet a "done deal," but it's likely Kucherov will be in TB opener on Thurs.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 10, 2016

McKenzie mentioned earlier he doesn’t expect it to be a long-term deal because of the Lightning’s cap situation. A short-term deal might be the only option for the Lightning and Kucherov. Expect either a two or three year deal. Eventually, the Lightning will have to pay Kucherov a lot of money to get him to stay. But a short-term deal would delay the inevitable huge contract. It also gives Kucherov time to prove he’s an elite wing and that he’s worth a huge deal.

Kucherov has done a lot to help his case recently. He set a career high with 30 goals and 66 points last season in 77 games. Moreover, he has 41 points in his last 43 postseason games, helping the Lightning to advance to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014-15. Kucherov led the Lightning in the postseason last year with 19 points in 17 games. In 2014-15, he finished second to Tyler Johnson with 22 points in 26 games.

Credit the Lightning for being able to keep their important players. It’s difficult to be great every year, but general manager Steve Yzerman has done a wonderful job navigating the perils of the salary cap. The Lightning look like Stanley Cup contenders on paper. They nearly made the playoffs without their captain Stamkos. If they can get Kucherov signed, they’ll be one of the few teams in the Eastern Conference capable of taking on the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.

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