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Nikita Kucherov News
Kucherov will have hip surgery and will not play during the 2021 regular season.

The Lightning are hopeful that Kucherov will be available for the playoffs. Kucherov going on LTIR provides the Lightning with $9.5 million in cap space, which is a positive to come out of this. Tampa Bay is pressed up tight against the cap but losing their best player should allow them to get RFA Anthony Cirelli under contract before the start of the season.

Nikita Kucherov
Kucherov left Tuesday's game with a lower-body injury and did not return.

Kucherov got tangled up with Jack Johnson late in the second period and limped to the bench and down the tunnel. Kucherov did not return for the third period and head coach Jon Cooper did not have an update post-game. Consider Kucherov day-to-day with a lower-body injury until they release more information.

Nikita Kucherov
Kucherov (lower-body) will be a game-time decision on Tuesday.

Kucherov was hurt Saturday and missed Monday's practice but head coach Jon Cooper listed him as a game-time decision for Tuesday's game vs. the Senators. “We got a little lucky," Cooper told reporters and Kucherov's fantasy owners feel the same way. He has four goals and 12 assists (16 points) in his last 12 games.

Nikita Kucherov
Kucherov (upper-body) is on the ice for warmups; expected to play vs. the Flyers.

Kucherov missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but will draw back in vs. the Flyers this afternoon. Kucherov will be back on a line with Steven Stamkos and Alex Killorn for the matinee—he has 33 goals and 49 assists (82 points) in 63 games this season.

Nikita Kucherov
Kucherov (upper-body) is “doubtful” to play Wednesday vs. Buffalo.

Kucherov was hurt in Monday’s game vs. the Maple Leafs and is unlikely to play tonight. Kucherov did not take part in the morning skate and head coach Jon Cooper said that Kucherov is “up in the air but leaning toward doubtful.” Expect the newly acquired J.T. Miller to replace Kucherov in the lineup.

Nikita Kucherov
Kucherov (lower-body) is expected to return to the Lightning lineup on Wednesday.

Kucherov has missed the last six games with a lower-body injury, but returned to practice on Tuesday, was on the ice for Wednesday’s morning skate and is expected to play vs. the Canadiens. Kucherov is arguably the Lightning’s most important player, so his return is key. Kucherov returns with 30 points (13G / 17A) in 28 games this season.

Nikita Kucherov