'Kuch' Signs $9.5 Million Contract Extension With Lightning

TAMPA, FL -- Tampa Bay Lightning fans can expect to hear the battle cry, "KUUUUUUUUCH," echo through Amalie Arena for at least another eight years.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Nikita Kucherov to an eight-year contract extension worth an average of $9.5 million today, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced.

The contract keeps Kucherov signed through the 2026-27 season.

"I'm truly grateful to sign this contract extension to keep me in Tampa for another eight seasons," Kucherov said. "I'd like to thank the Lightning organization and all of the fans for the support since making the Bay Area my home."

Just 25 years old, Kucherov, aka #86, hailing form Maykop, Russia, has attracted a faithful fan base in Tampa Bay for his game-winning style and facial expressions on the ice that leave nothing to the imagination. By the way, he has an online store where fans can buy "86 Kuch" clothing, hats and cell phone cases.

At 5 foot 11 and 178 pounds, Kucherov impressed teammates with 39 goals and 100 points in 2017-18, along with a plus-15 rating, eight power play goals and seven game-winning goals. He ranked third in the NHL for points, sixth for assists and tied for ninth for goals.

Kucherov led the Lightning in most offensive categories in 2017-18, including goals, assists and points, while also ranking tied for second for power play goals and second for game-winners. His 19:49 in average ice time led all Tampa Bay forwards.

Kucherov appeared in 17 Stanley Cup Playoff games in 2018 as the Lightning lost in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals. He paced the Bolts with 17 points and was tied for first with seven goals and nine assists.

During his short but active career, Kucherov has skated in 365 career NHL games, all with Tampa Bay, registering 147 goals, 334 points, 39 power play goals and 23 game-winners. He scored a career-high 40 goals during the 2016-17 season, while his 100 points during the past season were also a career best.

Kucherov was drafted by the Lightning in the second round, 58th overall, of the 2011 NHL Draft.

As for his personal life, Kucherov plays it close to the vest.

He lives with his Russian-born wife, Annastasiia, in a 5,668 square-foot home he purchased from Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter in 2014 for $1.9 million.

Image via Tampa Bay Lightning

Images via Kucherov

Nikita Kucherov celebrates his contract extension with his wife, Annastasiia, and agent Dan Milstein.

Nikita Kucherov meets and accepts a guitar from Alexey, the founder of the Russian Tampa Bay Lightning Fan Club.

Image via Realtor.com

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