Is Tampa Bay Nearing an Ultimatum Scenario With Nikita Kucherov?

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Nikita Kucherov still don’t have a contract extension done, and Elliotte Friedman thinks the clock may matter more than it seems. As it gets closer to that same feeling people had when Steven Stamkos left the Lightning in free agency, there’s concern that Kucherov’s situation in Tampa isn’t improving.

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On the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman said it’s rare for a player Julien BriseBois considers this important to go this long without a new deal. If it drags on further, he suggested, it could signal that BriseBois has made his best offer and won’t go any higher. IN that way, things are slightly different than they were with Stamkos — who the Lightning simply decided not to give a good offer to. However, with the cap increasing and Kucherov among the NHL’s most elite players, Friedman noted that the GM has taken a stance in past negotiations. He may be doing so again.

Friedman seems to believe the situation is a bit more dire than other insiders. Pierre LeBrun reports that everyone involved seems relaxed about the situation, with the general feeling that it will get done when it gets done. The reigning Hart Trophy winner wants to stay, the Lightning want to sign him long term, and there is plenty of time before July 1. LeBrun added that it’s hard to predict exactly when a deal will come together.

Could a Move Be Possible if Kucherov Talks Go Sideways?

On The Sheet Podcast, Jeff Marek offered what he called a wild prediction involving the Montreal Canadiens. He pointed to more Russian players potentially heading to Montreal, along with the idea of a veteran mentor for Ivan Demidov. If Kucherov reached free agency and didn’t re-sign with Tampa, Marek said, he’d expect him to want to play with smart players and to win, and he sees Montreal as a fit. That feels like a long shot given Marek also acknowledged that BriseBois could sign Kucherov at any moment and end the conversation.

Nothing suggests talks have broken down. But with the season approaching and the deal still unsigned, expect the questions to keep coming.

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