NHL Free Agency: Grading the Lightning’s signings
Keeping up with Kucherov
Re-signed Nikita Kucherov to an eight-year deal, $9.5 million AAV
Like Ryan McDonagh, Nikita Kucherov wasn’t scheduled to be a free agent until 2019. While Steve Yzerman probably signed McDonagh early as a show of good faith, I suspect he had others reasons for wanting to get Kucherov under contract before next offseason. He wasn’t about to risk Kucherov potentially taking a meeting with Kyle Dubas.
The 25-year-old posted 39 goals and 100 points for the Lightning last season. He was a Hart trophy candidate for the majority of the season, but ended up fading when the national media decided his team was simply too good. Kucherov will be paid like one of the top wingers in the game because he is one of the top wingers in the game.
If you think $9.5 million is too much, ask yourself this question: Would you rather have Kucherov, who will be 26 heading into the 2019-20 season, at $9.5 million. Or Jonathan Toews, who will be 31 head into 2019-20, at $10.5 million?
That’s what I thought.
As always, the cap will rise. $9.5 million today won’t be $9.5 million four years from now. If Kucherov continues to be an 80-plus point player, we’ll look at him as underpaid four years from now. And given his age and talent, there’s no reason why he should not crack 80-plus points for at least the next six seasons.
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This is an excellent deal for the Lightning. They have a lot of long-term money tied up, but that’s what happens when your team is a Cup contender every season.