Lightning Ink 2011 Pick Nikita Kucherov

The Tampa Bay Lightning has signed right wing prospect Nikita Kucherov to a three year entry level contract.

The forward was drafted in the 2012 CHL Import Draft by the Quebec Remparts. He is recovering from shoulder surgery and has yet to play a game with Quebec. The Lightning drafted the Russian in the second round (58^th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Kucherov had one goal and five points in 18 games with CSKA Moscow of the KHL last season. He led the 2011 U-18 World Championships in scoring, netting 11 goals and 21 points in just seven games.

Here’s what our friends at Bolt Prospects say about Kucherev:  “One of the purest finishers in the 2011 draft class. Had an unbelievable 11 goals and 21 points in 7 games at the U18 World Junior Championships en route to winning a Bronze Medal and being named the tournament’s Best Forward. Excellent agility and “wiggle” in his game allows him to elude defenders and give himself space to create. Kucherov is an elite-level scorer who has to learn the North American 2-way game. This contract makes it easier to keep him in North America  next year.”

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