Kucherov Going Viral For Hilarious Chirp on Today’s NHL Players

Nikita Kucherov often delivers a great mic drop. On Wednesday, he gave media and fans one of the better ones of the offseason. While speaking about how the game has changed over the years, Kucherov had one of the funniest and most unlikely responses.

He said, “The game is faster…but very dumb. Low IQ.” When another reporter wanted a bit of clarification on what Kucherov meant by “dumb”, Kucherov delivered more gold. “In what way?”, asked the reporter. “The hockey way,” Kucherov chimed back.

When asked how the game has changed over the years, Nikita Kucherov gives an answer only he can…

“The game is faster….but very dumb. Low IQ.”

When I followed up asking “In what way?”

He says “the hockey way”

Classic Kuch. #GoBolts #NHL pic.twitter.com/CmOUCisfpr

— Jay Recher (@jayRecher) September 16, 2026

Without wasting a single second, fans started analyzing and theorizing what Kucherov was really trying to say here. One common take is that the game has opened up offensively, leading to more end-to-end chances and looser structure, which can look “dumb” compared to tighter defensive hockey, but is more entertaining to watch.

Others suggested an overall decline in hockey IQ and creativity despite rising skill levels. Some even traced it back to youth hockey, where there is a heavy emphasis on winning over experimentation, and drills designed for social media rather than decision-making. The result, some argue, is a generation of highly skilled players who lack instinctive, “see-it-before-it-happens” hockey sense.

Kucherov himself is seen as one of the “smarter” NHL players. He’s not as fast as many others, but that gives him the opportunity to use his hockey IQ the way Wayne Gretzky did. Kucherov reads plays ahead of time and makes passes others don’t anticipate. It sounds like he thinks the NHL needs more of that in the game, and less speed and flashiness that has hurt the product.

Latest on Kucherov’s Contract Negotiations with Tampa Bay

On the contract front, Kucherov remains unsigned beyond his current deal. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois called him a historically great player, adding, “And with his tremendous work ethic and commitment to his craft, I have every reason to believe that he’s going to remain an elite player well into his 30s. That’s been the mindset throughout these contract negotiations.”

BriseBois said both sides would have preferred a deal by now, but talks are ongoing, with communication open between the team and Kucherov’s agent as they work toward a long-term extension in Tampa.

Next: Jets Make It Official: Connor Hellebuyck Suspended Amid Trade Standoff