When it comes to displaying elite offensive creativity, Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning comes to mind. The 32-year-old Russian right winger is having a season for the ages. Some might say he is posting “video game numbers,” or scoring at will.

The two time Stanley Cup champion was selected 58th overall in round 2 of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Lightning. This was the same draft that the Edmonton Oilers selected Ryan Nugent-Hopkins first overall, followed by the Colorado Avalanche, who selected Gabriel Landeskog with the second pick.

Turn away Toronto Maple Leafs fans, as the Leafs could have selected Kucherov with the 22nd pick, however elected to take former Oshawa General Tyler Biggs. Biggs never suited up in an NHL game, and retired in 2019, while toiling in the ECHL.

Kucherov is the only player in his draft class to earn more than 1,000 career NHL points.

He has been employed by the Bolts for the duration of his 13-year NHL career. The 6-foot, 173-pound winger has earned numerous accolades during his time in the State of Florida. This includes three Art Ross Trophies, two Ted Lindsay Awards, and a Hart Memorial Trophy.

Kucherov is currently enjoying his sixth NHL season in which he has earned 100 or more points. The former Quebec Rempart and Rouyn-Noranda Huskie of the QMJHL enjoyed his career season with the Bolts in 2023-24. He tallied 44 goals, and 144 points in 81 regular season contests.

Kucherov has been a premier scorer in the NHL’s regular season, and has also been very productive in the post season, notching 171 playoff points in 152 games.

Despite being a long tenured veteran in the NHL, Kucherov still studies his opponents on a regular basis through video analysis. He likes knowing opponents’ tendencies such as their timing, and how they utilize their stick.

Over the period of Jan. 1 through March 21, Kucherov posted ludicrous offensive numbers, registering a sizzling 67 points (22 goals, 45 assists) in 29 games. To put things in perspective, he had 21 more points than Oilers star Connor McDavid over that stretch, and 23 more points than Colorado Avalanche sniper Nathan MacKinnon.

Kucherov remarkably has two, five-point games this season, as well as seven four-point games. As of April 2, he has 1,115 career points as a member of the Lightning, and sits second place all time for Lightning scorers. He only trails former Bolt, and current Nashville Predator Steven Stamkos’ 1,137 points. It is inevitable that Kucherov will soon hold the distinguished honour of being the Lightning’s all time leading scorer.

While personal accomplishments and achievements are very rewarding, Kucherov is undoubtedly more eager to try to capture a third Stanley Cup championship.

With a phenomenal supporting cast in Tampa, including goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, defender Victor Hedman, and forwards Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel, Jake Guentzel, and Anthony Cirelli, another title is not unrealistic.

The Lightning fit the mould of a contender. They are also guided by one of the games top coaches in Jon Cooper. Cooper was Canada’s bench boss last season at the Four Nations Face-Off, and this season in Milan, Cortina for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Let’s not forget the Lightning reacquired Peterborough native Corey Perry at the NHL’s trade deadline. Perry is a perfect complimentary piece to the aforementioned superstars, and has the ability to increase and decrease the temperature of playoff games at opportune times.

Kucherov is one of the most offensively gifted players in the NHL. It will be a photo finish for the top scorer this year. Will it be Kucherov, McDavid or MacKinnon taking home the Art Ross?

© Peterborough Examiner