Several of the leading scorers in the NHL are Russian, including superstars Alex Ovechkin, Nikita Kucherov, Evgeni Malkin and Artemi Panarin. And, he has a Twitter account with 25k followers. Likewise, on 25 November 2013, Nikita scored his first shot against Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers.. Milstein expressed appreciation for the efforts of the league, players' union, teams and police departments. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Kucherov is on a five-game scoring streak with two goals and seven points over that stretch. But there are many talents on our team, as it has always been in Russia. They acted, the fans in Montreal, like they won the Stanley Cup last game," he said. - Connect directly with players, coaches, teams, scouts and agents (optional) The 29-year-old has found the scoresheet in four straight games and nine of the last 10, racking up six goals and 15 points over that stretch. Kucherov provided a goal in a 4-2 loss to Winnipeg on Friday. Nikita Kucherov just completed one of the most dominant two-year postseason runs in NHL history, but his post-game press conference Wednesday perhaps tops . Kucherov notched a goal and an assist Thursday in a 5-4 win over Vancouver. He also played for the Sliver Sharks and White. There's not much this guy can't do. Russian president Vladimir Putin has referred to the invasion as a "special military operation" whose goal is to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine, which has a Jewish leader. Kucherov, who leads all. Nikita Kucherov Childhood and Parents. ago] Height 5.11 -- Weight 181 [180 cm/82 kg] Drafted by Tampa Bay Lightning - round 2 #58 overall 2011 NHL Entry Draft Obviously, you have to improve yourself, but do it wisely, constantly adjust the workout plan. Both for Ovechkin, who is a well-known supporter of Vladimir Putin and made a plea for peace, and Zadorov, who posted to Instagram the messages, NO WAR and STOP IT!! Drafted. A second-round pick (No. Leading playoff scorer Nikita Kucherov is expected to miss the entire regular season because of a hip injury that requires surgery, a blow to the Tampa Bay Lightning that also comes with a. He was born to his father Igor Kuchervoand his mother Svetlana Kucherova. Ovechkin, a special case given his place as one of the most influential and popular Russian athletes at home and in the U.S capital, said in his public comments: Please, no more war. Kucherov helped Brayden Point open the scoring just 1:29 into this one, but Detroit scored five of the next seven goals before Kucherov pulled the Lightning within one with 3:47 left in the third. He has 23 goals and 85 . During the season, he recorded 40 goals. Kucherov is one of the NHL's best right wingers, hands down. Soon, he recorded his first hat trick in a game against the Arizona Coyotes, in October 2014. I dont like to guess. Caption: Nikita Kucherov with his teammate. Therefore, he spent most of his childhood with his grandma and aunt. No team has finished a season below 88.0% since 1995-1996. Kucherov has become one of the most dangerous offensive players in the NHL. Safin: Kucherov has also said that some of the guys on the team arent really working. If he can stay healthy, Kucherov is on track to reach 100 points for the first time since 2018-19. One of the best goaltenders in the NHL is also Russian. Shock: Nikita (pictured with his father in 2012) told of how Putin said he was surprised when Putin waved him over during a walkabout at the Kremlin She said the President was very highly. Undoubtedly, they should try going there, all the more so because they're both drafted. Gambling problem? My job is playing hockey. Mystique and Aura, those famous nightclub dancers who once lived at 161st and River Ave., have settled in Tampa. Published Sep. 24, 2017. At the 2017 World Hockey Championship, he led the Russian side to win bronze. And, Kucherovs grandmother works at the citys football team Druzhba. Safin: Does Bobrovsky deserve to get the Vezina Trophy? Kucherov logged a pair of assists in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime loss to San Jose. Its the NHL, after all. Thus, his father is a colonel ins the Russian army. He said he has received threats by email and on social media since telling ESPN many of his clients are dealing with harassment. While that's as close as Tampa Bay would get, Kucherov managed to add to what has been yet another spectacular campaign. If you work too hard in addition to practice and games, you will enter the game exhausted; you simply wont have the strength to play. Kucherov, who has compiled 13 helpers in his past nine appearances, dished out a trio of assists for the fourth time in 28 games this season. He's on pace to top the 80-point mark for the fifth time in his career. Hockey players have families at home. Safin: But still, when you are a solid number one, it gives you some confidence. When contacted, the NHLPA said it has been in communication with the league regarding security measures at both the league and team levels. Ovechkin, arguably the most decorated Russian-born player in the NHL, is the league's fourth-most prolific goal scorer of all time. But when it comes to his home country's. Submit changes (incorrect DOB, missing stats, incorrect stats, social media links etc) using a web form and we will review your update request within 24 hours and update accordingly. . Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. All rights reserved, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy waits for play to resume in the third period of an NHL Stadium Series hockey game against the Nashville Predators Saturday, Feb. 26, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey). The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-3 in an NHL home game. In the 2014/15 season, he registered 29 goals, 36 assists, and 65 points. Mar 18, 2021. Are you kidding me? Kucherov scored a goal on three shots and added two hits in Tuesday's 4-3 shootout win over the Avalanche. Russian NHL players are unlikely to speak strongly on the invasion, as many of their families live in Russia. Kucherov delivered two assists Saturday in a 5-3 win over the Coyotes. The Lightning star wing is talking a lot. Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov addressed Russias invasion of Ukraine on Friday, February 25th 2022. Safin: The last time you won with Team Russia was in Minsk. Tampa Bay Lightning goalie and starting netminder for Team Russia at the IIHF Worlds Andrei Vasilevskiy was recently interviewed by Marat Safin. Thats No. His goal gave the Lightning a 2-0 lead in the first period, and he also set up Steven Stamkos for an empty-netter in the third. TAMPA Nikita Kucherov sits back in his stall and smiles. Kucherov put up an assist in Thursday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Penguins. Kucherov had a five-game point streak snapped in Seattle on Monday, but he was right back at it Wednesday. Youre the best player. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. He was originally awarded a goal early in the third period, but it actually deflected off Brayden Point's skate. "Are you kidding me? He signed a three-year entry-level contract, on September 10, 2012. Vasilevskiy: It depends on what we're talking about. This professional Ice Hockey Player has earned a hefty amount of money throughout his career and profession. At the World Cup of Hockey, I didn't go on the ice at all. Therefore, he earned him a place in the Tempa Bay Lightning 40 elite club. Were completely different. The Official Site of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. 240. Some play in farm teams for yearsthat would be a tough path. Important: An official team/league url or a team document must be provided for us to update player stats. Have you talked to him about it? Tweet. Moving on, he was the first player in the modern era to record at least a goal in 7 consecutive games. Kucherov extended his Lightning record home point streak to 21 games with the power-play assist. people found the common denominator in Hebrew Gematria equals 1225: p 60 e 5 o 50 p 60 l 20 e 5 0 f 6 o 50 u 200 n 40 d 4 0 t 100 h 8 e 5 0 c 3 o 50 m 30 m 30 o 50 n 40 0 d 4 e 5 n 40 o 50 m 30 i 9 n 40 a 1 t 100 o 50 r 80 Kucherov notched a goal and an assist in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to the Red Wings. He led the playoffs in points (32) with 19 of them coming on the power play to become the sixth player to lead the postseason in scoring without a tie in consecutive seasons, the first since Mario Lemieux (1991-92). And so, the silence from the . Drone attacks on . But he got serious when talking about sharing another championship. It is a great honor to be there; playing for the national team at this level is a dream for many, but not at the cost of the job. Though Kucherov got off to a slow start in 2019-20, he ended the season with 85 points (33 goals, 52 assists) in 68 games. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nhl | pageType: profiles | Kucherov scored two goals and two points, with one tally and both helpers coming on the power play, in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Blue Jackets. Impact Kucherov found the back of the net at 19:53 of the second period to put the Lightning up 2-0. Nikita Kucherov Bio Kucherov has become one of the most dangerous offensive players in the NHL. Nikita Khrushchev (1894-1971) led . Well, he'll probably tell his team where to shoot on me. He had 3rd successive NHL All-Star selection, on January 2, 2019. - Improve your search rank Among the 41 Russia-born players currently in the NHL, only Washington star Alex Ovechkin and Calgary defenseman Nikita Zadorov have weighed in about the war. Moving on, he recorded 3-points which brought his NHL career points to 372, on December 1. Abrams NHL Rights. Its a difficult situation for these guys.. If they tell me, You can go but we'll terminate the contract, obviously I won't go. Times Syndication Service. She was born and raised in Moscow and currently works as a professor of international affairs at The New School in New York. Right Wing -- shoots L Born Jun 17 1993 -- Maykop, Russia [29 yrs. Played in NHL All-Star Game (2017, 2018, 2019, 2023). Enter Search Term. Finally, he topped the NHL goal-scoring table, on November 10. Kucherov is in the midst of a seven-game, 12-point streak (two goals, 10 assists). Sooner, he became only 23 years old or a younger Russian player with 40 goals in a season. And he's on a seven-game, nine-point streak that includes seven assists. I know that the guys are talking about it. The fastest to 700 points in Lightning History. I think we live in a world, we have to live in peace, great world.. Its not about who trains more but about who does it more wisely, especially in the NHL where you play a lot of games. If we face Canada, it won't give me any extra motivation. His second goal of the game, on a one-timer from the faceoff circle early in the third period, wound up being the game-winner. Vasilevskiy: They are both good guys and work very hard. He hasn't practiced since the postseason started, but the team never ruled out the chance of Stamkos playing. Russia said it's pushing ahead with building a massive natural-gas pipeline to China as Western sanctions rock its economy, Away from Ukraine's worst conflict zones, people gather to make camo nets for the army and bandages for the wounded, Putin is so angry about Ukraine's resistance to his invasion that he might launch a more aggressive attack, Western officials warn, Vivo V27 Pro Review: Capable camera performance in a sleek form factor, A woman threw a house party with 65 men she matched with on Tinder and Hinge and connected with the man she's now been dating for a year, Xiaomi 13 Pro Review: Cameras stand true to the promise, Apple gives nod to ChatGPT-driven app amid concerns, NASA spacecraft captures unusual circles of sand dunes on Mars, 'Let's get real': scientists discover a new way climate change threatens cold-blooded animals, IISc researchers show chemically-modified nanosheets are effective for biomedical applications, SC extends stay on order quashing write-off of Yes Bank's AT1 bonds. That list is not expected to grow. "Khrushchev restored Kyiv after World War II, so he was very loving towards that city," Khrushcheva told the Independent. Ovechkin has faced the most backlash of any Russian NHL player. I'm always glad to play for the national teamespecially considering the fact that our season ended early and I would like to play a little more. The following year against Mike Smith of the Arizona Coyotes, Kucherov scored his first career hat trick. He followed that with 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists), including two overtime goals, in 22 Stanley Cup Playoff games, helping the Lightning reach the Final before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games. He moved up to the eighth player with the most goals in franchise history, in March 2017. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. View Rude Words. Would you have joined the team if Bobrovsky had been there? Safin: [Tampa Bay Lightning head coach] Jon Cooper will be coaching Team Canada. Text of the original interview can be found at Sport-express.ru. If they tell me I can go and play peacefully, I will. Nikita Kucherov is set to miss more time in the regular season. Kucherov also had 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 17 playoff games as the Lightning advanced to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final before losing to the Washington Capitals. To the league's point, NHL agent Dan Milstein the CEO of Gold Star Hockey who hails from Ukraine and represents several Russian players, including stars Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy. Nikita Kucherov Is Still a 100-Point Scorer if He Stays Healthy August 29, 2022 by Lydia Szyjka When Tampa Bay Lightning star forward Nikita Kucherov missed the entire 2020-21 regular. They are more than ready to kick my ass and say, Thats it. Caption: Nikita Kucherovs childhood photo. ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) Russian players in the National Hockey League have remained mostly quiet about their country's invasion of Ukraine, largely the result of fearing potential fallout back home. ! in caps lock. Moreover, he registered 128 points, at the end of the season. In his NHL debut the next night against the New York Rangers, Kucherov scored on the first shot of the first shift of his NHL career, beating Henrik Lundqvist in the first period. He has earned his money from his NHL contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning and his multi-year endorsement with Adidas. Source(Instagram). Great personality, and to be honest, I was surprised he didnt get the Conn Smythe., This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikita Kucherov delivers epic rant after Lightning win Stanley Cup, Nikita Kucherov delivers epic rant after Lightning win Stanley Cup, Justin Timberlake posts sweet birthday message for 'dream of a partner' Jessica Biel, Tom Sizemore, star of 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Heat,' dies at 61 after brain aneurysm, Josh Hartnett is done talking about his break from Hollywood but ready to make fun of actors: 'We're the worst', Michael B. Jordan admits muscle gain for 'Creed' has been harder as he's gotten older, Billy Bush suggests Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes start their own show after ABC exit: 'They've got something that works'. The contract was with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The NHL said in a statement earlier this week it is concerned about the well-being of the players from Russia. "I grew up with the Adidas brand both in sport and lifestyle," said Kucherov. Putin this week took rhetorical aim at Russians who moved to the West as not representing the true country back home, tilling the ground for actions against them. He is undoubtedly one of the most adored athletes in Russia, known for his amazing prowess, vigorous attack, and powerful shots a star in a top franchise in the National Hockey League. Since then, however, Kucherov has been among the Lightning's most consistent players. That list is not expected to grow. The 29-year-old has 14 goals and 55 points in 38 games this season. His tally early in the second period gave Tampa Bay a brief flicker of hope, but it only ended up spoiling Sergei Bobrovsky's shutout bid. Their final was last series.. He earned a place in the 2016/17 NHL All-star second team. He also received the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award at the 2019 NHL Awards. Kucherov notched three assists in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Blue Jackets. He had his first 30-goal season in 2015-16, bumped that up to 40 goals in 2016-17, then. Let in important goals. Get access to our unique free agency lists and many more premium features, Powered by It is definitely a concern because its a catch-22, Milstein said. I.e, that made him the 6th player with the most goals in franchise history. Later, he was awarded the Art Ross award. I thought it would be easier to adapt to bigger rinks, but I found everything rather difficult when I stepped on the ice at our first practice. Kucherov finished seventh in the NHL in scoring in 2019-20 before helping the Lightning win the Cup for the first time since 2004. tampabaylightning.com is the official Web site of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ovechkins wife, children and parents are in Russia. The Capitals superstar stated that Russias invasion of Ukraine is out of his control. Nikita Kucherov To win MVP +1200 Most Regular Season Goals +30000 More From Raw Charge Crunch Wrap: Syracuse goes streaking Solar Bears Den: Apprivoiser les lions Nikita Kucherov named. She also said she felt "horrible" and "embarrassed" by the attack, the Independent reported. (Hlinka Gretzky Cup), NHL Most Valuable Player (Hart Trophy) Finalist, NHL MVP Selected by NHLPA (Ted Lindsay Award), Russian Player of the Year (Valeri Kharlamov Trophy). His point streak sits at four games and six points, including five assists. He was named to the NHL All-Star games, in January 2018. Standard Contract | 8 Years $76,000,000 11.52% of cap space. About his team, Steven Stamkos, his summer . Kucherov scored a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Wild. In addition, he ranked second in the NHL for goals scored in the playoffs. His mother's name is Svetlana Kucherova and his father's name is Igor Kucherov. Safin: Did you have a tough path yourself? In the same month, he also registered his 100th NHL career goal. Vasilevskiy: Im not feeling perfectly fine yet, but it has got much better than before. Sergei is considered number one on Team Russia. This is just me, the Ukrainian agent, getting this, said Milstein, who was born in Kyiv and left Ukraine as a political refugee amid the breakup of the Soviet Union. Kucherov scored at 18:05 of. With a Premium subscription, you'll get access to over 30 tools, features and benefits. Also, Nikitas net worth is not unfolded yet. Ill say this: no one likes the truth. Have all the deals already been made or will we see something shocking? 4/19/21 10:10 PM. After missing the entire 2020-21 regular season recovering from hip surgery, Kucherov returned to score 32 points (eight goals, 24 assists) in 23 playoff games to help the Lightning win a second straight Stanley Cup title. Tampa Bay Lightning / Signed. The 29-year-old winger is up to 20 goals and 55 assists on the season. Putin secretly lives in a golden palace he shares with his gymnast lover. Nikita Kucherov is a Russian professional Ice Hockey player who has made a name for himself in the sport of hockey. Some do well from the very beginning, others have to spend a few years in the AHL. [We] didnt score where should have scored. Granddaughter of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev says she is embarrassed by Putin invasion of Ukraine. Nikita Igorevich Kucherov (Russian: ; born 17 June 1993) is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger and alternate captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). The 1.96 metre (6'5") blue liner is tough and not afraid to stand up for his teammates. This list will be updated on an ongoing basis. No. Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall was suspended by the NHL for Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, as a result of dangerous hit on Nikita Kucherov in Monday night's Game 6. Who trains more: you or Sergei Bobrovsky? Now that he's skating again, that starts to feel like a more real possibility, though Cooper specifically said "nothing's changed in the playing department anytime soon." His 49 points through 32 games are the fourth-most in the league. When Nikita Kucherov joined Lightning teammates for Saturday's morning skate, it created a noticeable buzz among teammates. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Charlie McAvoy And Artemi Panarin Just . There's not much this guy can't do. He has 22 goals and 83 points in 58 contests in 2022-23. Copyright 2023. "I can't believe that although [Putin] is claiming he's trying to prevent the war, he's actually waging a war on a nation he says is the same as Russia a brotherly nation of Ukrainians," she said. Franchise Hockey Manager, Drafted 2012, 1 #43 overall by Qubec Remparts in the CHL Import Draft, Drafted 2010, 3 #60 overall by CSKA Moskva in the KHL Draft, Cult/Star player for Tampa Bay Lightning. Lightning Hockey, L.P. is a division of Vinik Sports Group. Ovechkin has a relationship with Putin and his family lives in Russia, so this was difficult for him to address. Similarly, he also registered his 128th game for the lightning. View more / View less Facts of Nikita Igorevich Kucherov. The granddaughter of former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev told the Independent she was embarrassed by Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and that her grandfather would have found it "despicable.". In terms of stats, it wasnt your best performance: 16 saves on 20 shots. Nikita Igorevi Kuerov ( rusky , * 17. ervna 1993, Moskva) je rusk hokejov tonk hrajc v severoamerick National Hockey League za tm Tampa Bay Lightning, kter ho v roce 2011 draftoval z 58. pozice. Cap Hit. After putting up 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) in 17 AHL games, he was called up by the Lightning on Nov. 24, 2013. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Agents who spoke to The AP said the majority of the threats made have come on social media and do not think Russian players in North America are in more immediate danger than the general population. The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Colorado Avalanche 6-2 Monday night in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, but it may have come with a cost. In the 2018/19 season, he became the player with the highest point in the NHL. "I said one time, you give us one time to win, were going to win twice, and thats what happened.. Safin: What do you think about [Ilya] Sorokin and [Igor] Shestyorkin's play? section: | slug: | sport: hockey | route: player_profile_home | Russian NHL players who have spoken about Ukraine invasion, Top Potential Expansion Cities for the NHL, The five oldest active NHL players (2022), Photos released of dressing rooms at Arizona Coyotes Mullett Arena. Vasilevskiy: Not at all. It doesnt matter who is in the war, Russia, Ukraine, different countries. Longtime Pittsburgh rival Evgeni Malkins parents are also there. Safin: Your teammate Victor Hedman recently said that Bishop had been your mentor and taught you a lot. Russian NHL players are speaking out about their countrys invasion of Ukraine. He and Lightning center Brayden Point, and Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri (Edmonton Oilers) are the only teammates to lead the playoffs in points and goals in consecutive postseasons. There are currently 55 players of Russian nationality playing in the NHL during the 2021-22 season. I dont say anything about my relationship with Ben Bishop either, even though I get asked about it often. pic.twitter.com/6hA9KvpgPE, Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) July 8, 2021, "Vasy was outstanding. Obsah 1 Hrsk karira 1.1 Juniorsk karira 1.2 Tampa Bay Lightning 2 Reprezentan karira 3 Klubov statistiky The. Grinnelli. Kucherov holds the record for most points by a Russian-born player in a single season (128), as well as the Tampa Bay Lightning playoff record for most points, goals and assists. Nikita Kucherov is good-looking and stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 82 kg. Kucherov is one of the NHL's best right wingers, hands down. The 29-year-old winger continues to impress this season with 21 goals, 78 points, 178 shots and a plus-4 rating through 53 appearances. Vasilevskiy: There are many contenders for this award. A post shared by Nikita Zadorov (@zadorov_16). However, I got a call and flew here. According to the Tampa Bay Times' Joe Smith, forward Tyler Johnson had a broken right wrist. An individual trophyyou win it and celebrate alone. Vasilevskiy walked away with the award Wednesday, but Kucherov was the MVP of the postgame news conferences after the Lightning won their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. And he remains tied with Connor McDavid for the league lead for assists. Nikita Kucherov has a net worth estimated at $20 million as of July 2021. May the best man win. Though he largely pursued a policy. Vasilevskiy: No one ever said that I would definitely be the starter. By Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle The race to bring a WNBA team to the Bay Area is shaping up as a three-horse affair. Agent Dan Milstein represents more than a dozen Russian and Belarusian players who have appeared in an NHL game this season including defending champion Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy. Kucherov scored a goal on three shots, added an assist and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Canucks. Emergency NHL Fashion Roundup Blog. Its difficult for all the Russian players in the league, said Brian MacLellan, general manager of the Capitals, who have three other Russians on their roster in addition to Ovechkin. 2 min read. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. Tampa Bay Lightning netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy is a four-time Vezina Trophy finalist and one-time winner. It has been difficult for some (players). The NHL's lone Russian player who has voiced opposition to Putin, New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, erased all elements of that criticism from his Instagram account and made it private. Vasilevskiy: Dont compare me to him. Nikita Khrushchev (1894-1971) led the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War, serving as premier from 1958 to 1964. Kucherov is one of the NHL's best right wingers, hands down. In his 621st game, Nikita Kucherov reaches 700 points. It helped to make him the sixth player with the most assist in franchise history. . Criticizing President Vladimir Putin could put their families living in Russia at risk. Buyout Calculator. The 29-year-old right winger paces the Lightning with 31 assists and 42 points this season. Sign up for a weekly brief collating many news items into one untangled thought delivered straight to your mailbox. I mean, of course, the guys from the NHL. Safin: Have you discussed your role with the [national team's] coaching staff? Nikita Kucherov Stats by Elite Prospects | Nikita Kucherov Advanced Stats by : Active Contract Signing Team Signing Date July 10, 2018 Signing Status RFA Agent Daniel Milstein. Regarded as one of the best players in the world, Kucherov won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player, Art Ross Trophy as the league's . Ive been in love with those guys, ups and downs," he said. Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper confirmed with reporters Monday that the star sniper will be out indefinitely with an. After helping to set up Steven Stamkos for the game-winner midway through the third period, Kucherov iced things with an empty-netter. Nikita Igorevich Kucherov (Russian: ; born 17 June 1993) is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL).. . If you dont stay focused, youll be asked to leave.