- Chris Johnston reported Nikita Kucherov is seeking around $20 million a year on a six-year deal
- That lands just under Cale Makar’s $20.4 million, the largest cap hit in NHL history
- Read below for what Julien BriseBois said and how little room Tampa actually has
Nikita Kucherov’s asking price is out, and it is a big one.
Chris Johnston reported on Thursday’s episode of his show that the Lightning winger is looking for roughly $20 million per season on a six-year deal.
Johnston was asked where things sit between Kucherov and Tampa Bay after the two sides let the summer go by without an agreement.
“I heard some pretty big numbers that he was looking for, something like 20 million dollar range on like a six year deal.”
Catch the full segment, which picks up around the 43-minute mark:
That number would more than double the $9.5 million cap hit he is playing on this season. It would also land within $400,000 of Cale Makar’s $20.4 million, the largest cap hit anyone has ever signed.
Tampa Bay has a little under $30 million in space for next season, per PuckPedia, and as many as eight roster spots to fill with it. Two-thirds of that going to one forward squeezes Julien BriseBois everywhere else.
BriseBois was asked about the negotiations at media day Wednesday.
“Throughout these contract negotiations, both parties I know would prefer to have a deal today to put that behind us. We haven’t been able to do that. I’m still in touch with his agent to keep the lines of communication open with the goal being to get Nikita signed to a contract that will keep him in Tampa many years to come.”
Whatever they land on, it will be shorter than either side once planned. The eight-year window shut Sept. 15 with the old CBA, so seven years is the ceiling now.
His case for the money is not complicated. Kucherov put up 130 points in 76 games last season and won his second Hart Trophy, and he has cleared 100 points four years running. He sits 14 points behind Steven Stamkos for the franchise scoring record.
Age is the counterweight. He turns 34 next June, months before a new contract would start, and six more years would carry him to 40.
Take a look at Kucherov and the rest of the Bolts at media day:
There is no timeline on the talks, BriseBois said, and no real pressure point either. Kucherov cannot reach free agency until July 1, 2027.
