TAMPA — Tampa Bay Lightning leading scorer Nikita Kucherov opened training camp at Benchmark International Arena without a contract extension, entering the final season of the eight-year deal he signed in July 2018 that carries a $9.5 million cap hit.
Lightning Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois said he continues to work with Kucherov’s agent, Dan Milstein, on an extension, citing the rising salary cap and evolving market. “Nikita is a historically great player. He’s not just one of the best players in the world right now, he is one of the best players ever,” BriseBois said. “And with his tremendous work ethic and commitment to his craft, I have every reason to believe that he’s going to remain an elite player well into his 30s. That’s been the mindset throughout these contract negotiations.”
BriseBois acknowledged both sides had hoped to reach a deal before camp. “Both parties I know would have preferred to have a deal today to be able to put that behind us. We haven’t been able to do that. I’m still in touch with his agent. We’re going to keep the lines of communication open with the goal remaining to be to get Nikita signed to a contract that’s going to keep him in Tampa for many years to come, playing on a Stanley Cup contender throughout,” he said. The league’s new collective bargaining agreement took effect Wednesday, capping the maximum contract length at seven years — down from eight.
Kucherov, who turned 33 this summer, tied a career high with 44 goals last season and finished second in the league in both assists (86) and points (130). He won the second Hart Memorial Trophy of his career as league MVP and notched the 1,000th point of his career. He needs only 14 points to become the franchise’s all-time leading scorer across all 879 games of his NHL career, all played in Tampa Bay since the team selected him with the 58th overall pick at the 2011 NHL Draft. “What’s on my mind? My mind is on trying to help the team this year,” Kucherov said when asked about his contract. “I control what I can control and I’ll do my best with what I can on the ice, and that’s what I’m focusing on right now.”
Center Brayden Point arrived at camp looking rejuvenated after spending the summer training alongside Kucherov at TGH Ice Plex in Brandon rather than returning home to Canada. Point finished 2025-26 with 50 points, including 18 goals, in 63 games. “I think you just look at the result last year and for me personally how it went last year. I think that was enough motivation for me to have a good summer and try to put myself in the best position I could coming into this year. So the passion is definitely there,” Point said.
Captain Victor Hedman, who did not appear during the 2026 playoffs, said he is healthy and energized after a season that included injuries and time away to address his mental health. “I spent eight weeks in Sweden, got back here Aug. 1, and it’s been a great summer. There’s nothing nagging me body-wise or anything like that, so I’ve been able to push the body to the limit and be in as good of shape as possible,” Hedman said. BriseBois said Hedman “is very much committed to showing everyone how special a player he is this season, reminding us all how good of a player he is.”
Free-agent addition John Carlson, 36, signed a two-year contract in the final hours of July 1 and has been skating with teammates in Brandon since August. Carlson ranks fifth among active NHL defenders in points (785) and tied for fifth in games played (1,159). His 60 points between the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks tied for 11th among all NHL defensemen last season, with 46 even-strength points placing sixth. “It’s a great opportunity here. I think the team is obviously packed full of great talent, great players and a lot of potential, and that’s why I wanted to be here,” Carlson said. “I’m truly excited to take on the challenge to be here and try to win.” The Lightning are scheduled to hit the ice for their first official practice Thursday at Benchmark International Arena.