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Tampa Bay Lightning star winger Nikita Kucherov will undergo hip surgery next week and miss the entire regular season, general manager Julien BriseBrois announced Wednesday.
While the designation of Kucherov to the long-term injury reserve will give an initial relief to the hat-strapped Tampa Bay, it’s a blow to the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Kucherov, 27, the 2019 MVP, has scored 398 points over the past four seasons, which only trails Connor McDavid for most in the league.
BriseBrois has said he hopes Kucherov can return for the playoffs.
“Nobody likes playing hockey more than Nikita Kucherov,” said BriseBrois. “I know how hard he will work to get back as soon as possible.”
Hiding Kucherov’s $ 9.5 million cap means the Lightning doesn’t have to move other contracts to stay in complaint. After re-signing Mikhail Sergachev, Erik Cernak, Mathieu Joseph and Alex Volkov this offseason, the Lightning found themselves around $ 7.6 million above the salary cap of $ 81.5 million – which remains stable this season due to the pandemic.
Tampa Bay has yet to strike a deal with restricted free agent Anthony Cirelli, although BriseBrois has said a framework deal is in place for the 23-year-old forward.
Kucherov had 34 points in 25 games in the Stanley Cup final this fall. During his MVP season, Kucherov scored 128 points, which was the highest number ever for a Russian-born player.
A benefit for Tampa Bay: BriseBrois has said he expects captain Steven Stamkos to be available for opening night. Stamkos missed the entire playoff series – except for a brief appearance and a goal in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final – with a core muscle injury.
The Lightning will open their 2020-21 season on Jan. 13 with a banner raising ceremony before welcoming the Chicago Blackhawks.
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