Kucherov Extension Talks Continue As Lightning Camp Opens
Julien BriseBois says negotiations remain active as Tampa Bay's leading scorer enters the final season of his contract.
Nikita Kucherov arrived at Tampa Bay Lightning media day Wednesday without a contract extension, and general manager Julien BriseBois said negotiations remain active.
Kucherov is entering the final season of the eight-year contract he signed in July 2018, which carries a $9.5 million salary-cap charge. He turned 33 this summer after tying his career high with 44 goals in 2025-26. He finished second in the NHL with 86 assists and 130 points, won the second Hart Trophy of his career and recorded his 1,000th NHL point.
"Nikita is a historically great player," BriseBois said. "He's not just one of the best players in the world right now, he is one of the best players ever."
BriseBois said both sides would have preferred to complete an extension before camp. He remains in contact with Kucherov's agent, Dan Milstein, with the goal of keeping the forward in Tampa Bay for years to come.
The NHL's new collective bargaining agreement took effect Wednesday and no longer permits eight-year contracts. Seven years is now the maximum term available on a new Kucherov deal.
Kucherov, selected 58th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, has played all 879 games of his NHL career with Tampa Bay. He needs 14 points to become the franchise's all-time scoring leader.
"I control what I can control," Kucherov said when asked about the negotiations. "I'll do my best with what I can on the ice."
Captain Victor Hedman also reported to camp healthy after a 2025-26 season interrupted by injury and time away to address his mental health. Brayden Point said he spent the summer in Florida skating regularly with Kucherov, while defenseman John Carlson has been working with his new teammates since August after signing a two-year contract July 1.
