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Report: Tampa Bay Lightning to Sign Nikita Kucherov

By Sammi Silber

Feb 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) during the third period of the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) during the third period of the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the Tampa Bay Lightning open their season against Detroit Thursday, Nikita Kucherov will be with them them.

The right winger returned from Russia and is prepared to sign a bridge deal with the team, as per multiple reports. He was in his native country waiting for the situation to resolve himself.

Kucherov was the team’s leading scorer last season, scoring 66 points (30 G, 36 A) in just 77 games. He was also a huge factor in their postseason run and stepped in for an injured Steven Stamkos.

The 23-year-old only made $700,000 last season and was expected to sign a long-term deal for at least $6 million AAV. However, the Lightning are in a tight bind, as they have less than $5.5 million available in cap space. While this whole conflict was happening, Kucherov refused to report to camp without a contract and stayed in Russia.

With a bridge deal, Kucherov can make a decent salary for a shorter term and remain with Tampa Bay. And later, when the Lightning have more money, he can sign for long-term for more money.

Theoretically, Kucherov could have sat out until Dec. 1, but it wasn’t likely that he would miss the regular season. To seemingly prepare for the signing, Tampa Bay placed Erik Condra, Cory Conacher and Joel Vermin on waivers Monday.

Securing Kucherov is a great sign for Tampa Bay, considering he’s a top scorer and a promising forward. He will also be a huge factor in their success, and be an even bigger part of their playoff aspirations. With a healthy Stamkos, re-signed Kucherov and a deep lineup, expect the Lightning to be favorites in the Stanley Cup race.

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