The Tampa Bay Lightning’s talented winger continued his assault on the record books as he became the first member of the organization to eclipse the 700 assist mark. Just for fun, he got started on the next milestone as he added his 701st later in the game. As with every helper he racks up, he sets a new franchise record in assists, and he continues to creep closer to Steven Stamkos’ record of 1,137 points overall (Kucherov sits at 1,088).
With 701 apples he is currently tied all-time with Erik Karlsson for 62nd in NHL history. Next up is Jeremy Roenick with 703. However, among Russian-born players he is currently third, trailing two active players in Evgeni Malkin (863) and Alex Ovechkin (752). Could Kucherov conceivably catch the two future hall-of-famers and someday hold the all-time record in assists for Russians in the NHL?
The answer is a strong maybe. One thing he has going for him is his relative youth. At 32-years-old he is 8 years younger than Ovechkin and 7 years younger than Malkin. While he’s closing the gap with those two while they are active, he should really make up some ground once they retire. The big question is when will that happen. Ovi is already on record stating that he isn’t sure if he’s going to hang up the skates when his contract ends this season. Malkin is apparently discussing a possible extension with the Penguins (the only team he wants to play for) so it could be at least one or two more seasons before they call it quits.
Kucherov will enter the final season of his current contract next year. He is sure to sign a long-ish term deal and could conceivably play another 6 or 7 seasons at least. If he gets 4 or 5 years without Malkin or Ovechkin playing, there is little doubt that he will make up the ground. The good news is that there isn’t anyone close to him. Artemi Panarin is next with 606 assists and then after that it’s Vlad Tarasenko at 374.
With no signs of slowing down, it’ll be an interesting chase to watch for Kucherov, that’s for sure.
Other Hockey News
Lightning win 4-2 as Point returns [Raw Charge]
The team welcomed back some big names as Brayden Point scored twice and Charle-Edouard D’Astous logged two assists.
Checking in on the Lightning Prospects: Part 2 [Raw Charge]
The kids at the top of the list are doing alright.
LFR – Game 58 – Maple Leafs 2, Lightning 4 [Steve Dangle Youtube]
Steve’s angst is wildly entertaining, right?
Lightning coach Jon Cooper to miss 2 games after father’s death [Tampa Bay Times]
Rob Zettler was behind the bench for the win against Toronto, and will be heading up the coaching staff in Carolina as well as Coach Cooper is away from the team following the passing of his father. Condolences to Coach Cooper and his family.
Tyler Myers sits as Vancouver mulls trade options [TSN]
Tyler Myers has a no-movement clause in his contract (see, the Lightning aren’t the only ones that hand those out). It appears the Canucks are in the process of asking him to wave that clause as they seek to trade the 36-year-old defenseman. The right-shot blueliner has one season after this one at $3,000,000.
Post-Olympic Bubble Watch: Every team’s playoff chances [ESPN]
They have the Lightning as a “lock”.
Plenty of Flames drawing trade interest, Laine may be in play [The Fourth Period]
David Pagnotta is hit-or-miss with his “insider” knowledge, but it would be extremely interesting if MacKenzie Weegar is indeed in play considering there are still five years left on his current deal after this season.
Jason and Justin chatted about the end of the Olympics, previewed the upcoming games and forgot where Ross Colton went to college (well, at least Justin did). Also available on all podcast outlets.
