A Kucherov chase is more likely due to Montreal’s increasing core, Russian pipeline, and cap space. Why the ludicrous situation could unexpectedly come true.
The Montreal Canadiens have one of the NHL’s strongest cap positions. The Habs already have their main players committed to reasonable, team-friendly deals, while other teams are rushing to make it through the post-Leo Carlsson contract boom. They are positioned to strike, flexible, and stable. Montreal’s growing Russian pipeline is becoming a legitimate storyline.
Montreal still has a cap space of just under $2.8 million this season, which expands to almost $13 million by the time of the trade deadline. Additionally, they are expected to have almost $30 million available when the following season begins. “Go get a superstar” territory is what that is, not simply breathing room.
The increasing Russian pipeline in Montreal is beginning to attract notice. Ivan Demidov has accepted a lower salary to remain a part of the city, the team, and the company since he has grown to love them so much. That’s significant. Players communicate. Comfort is essential. Culture is important.
Stylistically and financially, the Habs have been connected to Kirill Marchenko. This makes sense. Moreover, they have top-notch Russian prospects like Gleb Pugachyov and Alexander Zharovsky in their system. Montreal is developing into a hub for Russian skill rather than merely accepting it.
Although it seems like a remote possibility, it’s not impossible.
Nikita Kucherov: The Big Fish
With a $9.5 million AAV deal, Kucherov is entering the last year. He is a UFA on the verge of signing. Although Tampa GM Julien Brise Bois has openly said that he wants Kucherov to stay in Tampa “for a long time,” there has been no discussion of an extension.
It reminded us a lot of Steven Stamkos, so we’ve heard it before. As Stamkos never received a contract and eventually joined the Nashville Predators, we are aware of how that turned out.
The Lightning handle their money responsibly. They don’t go overboard with their spending. They don’t freak out. And they won’t alter their structure for anybody, not even franchise legends. Tampa may find it hard to afford Kucherov’s next number with agreements surging throughout the league.
And he has earned it.
Coming off a Hart Trophy season in which he scored 130 points in 76 games, Kucherov was second only to Connor McDavid. He is still one of the most competitive, hazardous, and brilliant players in the game. He’s going to get paid a lot. On paper, it’s a fit.
Montreal is one of the few teams that is ideally positioned to achieve this.
Kucherov has also recently attacked the current generation of NHL players for having poor hockey knowledge. He is familiar with Montreal’s lineup after years of competing in the division. The staff that trains the young, quick, structured Habs gets everything out of their lineup. It works well on paper.
Their top player will be defended by Tampa. One of the league’s top coaches, John Cooper, is a member of their team, which is based on intelligence and experience. But they have lost in the first round for four consecutive years. That has an impact on a superstar who hopes to triumph once more.
Kucherov has played his whole career in Tampa. It wouldn’t be simple to leave. However, the door is open if he thinks Montreal’s long-term trajectory offers him a better chance to pursue another Cup—and if the Habs are willing to make the kind of offer Tampa won’t.
One of the most intriguing storylines the league has seen in years would be a Kucherov-Demidov-Slafkovsky period in Montreal. And for the first time, it doesn’t seem impossible.
