Kucherov Contract Talks
Nikita Kucherov and his agent have informed Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning that he will not report to training camp until an agreement has been made on a contract extension. Kucherov in currently a pending RFA, but due to salary cap issues, the Tampa Bay Lightning are struggling to give Kucherov the contract that he wants.
Kucherov is a key piece of the Lightning core. The 23 year old Russian forward has 30 goals and 36 assists last season, leading the Lightning is points with 66. The Russian forward had a breakout season, and is expecting a contract of at least six million a season. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has been in talks with Kucherov and his agent throughout the World cup of Hockey, but no agreement has been reached between the two. Yzerman has made it clear that Kucherov is a main priority for the Lightning, and that he is one of their best players. Until a new deal is signed, Kucherov will not report to Lightning training camp. Kucherov is a key piece of the Lightning's core, and still has the potential to become an even better player, so signing him is an absolute necessity for Tampa. The Lightning opened their preseason Tuesday night with a 3-2 loss to the Hurricanes. Their next preseason game is tonight against the Hurricanes in Carolina.
The Anaheim Ducks are in a similar situation as pending RFA forward Rickard Rakell has also refused to report to training camp until an agreement is reached. Buffalo Sabres defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen is also a pending RFA, however, he is more optimistic of an extension before the beginning of the season as he has reported to training camp without a contract.