Lightning's Nikita Kucherov Nearing Major Milestone
Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov once again had a fantastic season in 2024-25. In 78 games this past campaign with the Bolts, the 32-year-old winger recorded 37 goals, 84 assists, and a league-leading 121 points. With this, Kucherov won the Ted Lindsay Award and Art Ross Trophy He was also named to the NHL first All-Star team.
This was the third season in a row where Kucherov recorded at least 83 assists and 113 points, which is simply spectacular. It was also the eighth season in a row where he produced at an over a point per game pace. Thus, he has been incredible for a long time, and he is now inches away from a major milestone because of it.
Kucherov is only six points away from recording the 1,000th point of his NHL career. When noting that he has only played 803 NHL career games over 11 seasons, him already being this close to the 1,000-point mark is very impressive. Assuming he stays healthy, he should hit this huge milestone very early on in the 2025-26 season.
The only player to record 1,000 points as a member of the Lightning is Steven Stamkos, who ended his tenure with 1,137 points in 1,082 games as a Bolt. Now, Kucherov is set to join him and has plenty of time to eventually pass him on the Lightning's all-time points leader list.
Lightning's New Projected Top Six Has Interesting Look
The NHL's official Facebook account shared what they think the Tampa Bay Lightning's top six will be heading into the 2025-26 season, and it looks strong on paper.
For the Lightning's first line, the NHL's account sees Brayden Point centering Jake Guentzel and Nikita Kucherov. This is entirely understandable, as these three are elite offensive players and have had plenty of success playing together. If this is the trio that the Lightning ends up going with on their first line, it would certainly make things incredibly difficult for their opponents.
As for the Lightning's second line, the NHL's account has Anthony Cirelli as Tampa Bay's center, with Brandon Hagel and Gage Goncalves as his wingers. Cirelli being the club's 2C is a no-brainer, and Hagel will undoubtedly have a place in Tampa Bay's top six after his monster 2024-25 season. Yet, Goncalves is an intriguing player from this top-six projection, as he is a young forward looking to break out. However, with how well he finished the year, it is fair to wonder if he could take another step forward if used on the second line.
One who did not make the NHL account's projected top six for the Lightning is Oliver Bjorkstrand. While this is the case, he certainly should challenge Goncalves for the Lightning's second-line right wing spot.
