Nikita Kucherov
Date of Birth: June 17, 1993
Birthplace: Maykop, Russia
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
NHL Debut: 2013
Draft Information: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning 58th overall in the 2nd round of the 2011 NHL Draft.
Playing Style: Nikita Kucherov is known for his puck skills, deceptive shot release, and exceptional hockey IQ. He combines world-class playmaking with goal-scoring ability, consistently ranking among the NHL’s top offensive players. His patience, vision, and ability to control the game's pace set him apart as one of the league’s premier wingers.
✔️ Some of Nikita's past sticks: Bauer Supreme UltraSonic, Bauer Vapor Hyperlite
✔️ Some of Nikita's past skates: CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro, Bauer Supreme Mach
Career Highlights and Achievements
🏆 Stanley Cup Championships: 2 (2020, 2021 with Tampa Bay Lightning)
🏆 Hart Trophy Winner: 2019
🏆 Art Ross Trophy Winner: 2019
🏆 Ted Lindsay Award Winner: 2019
🏆 All-Star Appearances: 5 (2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024)
🏆 Major Awards and Recognitions:
- Hart Memorial Trophy (2019): NHL MVP as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association
- Art Ross Trophy (2019): NHL’s leading scorer (128 points)
- Ted Lindsay Award (2019): NHL’s most outstanding player as voted by peers
- Stanley Cup Playoffs leading scorer: 2020 and 2021 playoffs
- NHL First All-Star Team: 2019
🏆 Milestones:
- First NHL goal: November 25, 2013, vs. New York Rangers (scored on his first NHL shot)
- Set Tampa Bay Lightning franchise record for most points in a season: 128 points (2018–19)
- Recorded back-to-back 30+ point performances in two consecutive playoff runs (2020, 2021)
- First player since Mario Lemieux (1992) to average over 1.5 points per playoff game in a postseason (2020)
