Pierre LeBrun drops a massive Kucherov update that raises the stakes for Tampa Bay

Pierre LeBrun says Lightning star Nikita Kucherov won't settle for less than $20 million and six years now that the NHL market has exploded.

The comment lands as Kucherov's contract runs out after this season. He is 33, his deal expires in 2026-27 with unrestricted free agency waiting, and the sheet lists no extension signed.

Tampa Bay plays at Minnesota tonight, and Kucherov arrives with 20 points in 15 games. The Lightning sit at 10-3-2, including a perfect 8-0-0 record at home.

LeBrun's read is that Kucherov's camp was probably willing to take less than $20 million back in May or June. Then the market blew up, and the price moved with it.

That fits what Elliotte Friedman's July 1 warning on Kucherov suggested last week: the winger won't sign anywhere before July 1.

LeBrun said Kucherov's side saw no reason to go below $20 million and six years once other teams started spending.

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What a $20 million ask does to the Kucherov market

His current cap hit is $9,500,000, so Tampa Bay is being asked for a massive raise. That is a hard sell for any front office, even one led by Julien Brisebois, who has built this roster around Kucherov for years.

Six years is the part that should make general managers pause. Kucherov is 33, and a term that long carries real risk for whoever signs it, whether that's the Lightning or a team waiting on July 1.

Other teams will be watching. A mock trade with Kirill Marchenko heading out of Toronto shows the kind of talk already circulating about what a Kucherov deal could cost.

But LeBrun's report only lays out where the camp stands, not where Tampa Bay does. Until Brisebois answers, every team with cap space can keep dreaming, and the Lightning have a season to play while the clock runs toward July 1.

Quick hits

NEW YORK RANGERS: The Rangers have placed goaltender James Reimer on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, according to PuckReportNHL. That's a serious step, and it will raise questions about the crease.

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OTTAWA SENATORS: Linus Ullmark's return from injury has been delayed again, Pro Hockey Rumors reports. The Senators will have to wait longer, and patience is wearing thin.

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VANCOUVER CANUCKS: The Canucks posted their lineup for the game at Edmonton with three words: "Same squad!" No tinkering, which says they like what they have.

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FLORIDA PANTHERS: Brady Tkachuk scored twice, but the Panthers fell 4-3 to the Capitals in Washington this afternoon. A late push came up just short.

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ST-LOUIS BLUES: The Blues lost 3-1 at Nashville in the NHL Network showcase, their third straight defeat. They finish the four-game road trip 1-2-1 after a hot start.

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