It was a disappointing end to the season for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The top seed in the Eastern Conference lost on home ice in Game 7 to the Capitals in the Conference Finals.  The good news is that the Lightning can run it back next year with essentially the same team and go for the Cup again.

In two years, though, Nikita Kucherov will be a restricted free agent and the Lightning can sign him to an extension as early as July 1st.  Joe Smith of The Athletic spoke to Kucherov's agent (Dan Milstein) recently and he gave everyone an update on the contract situation for his client:

Kucherov, 24, a restricted free agent after next season, can sign an extension as early as July 1. But agent Dan Milstein said there have been no talks yet, and he doesn’t anticipate any until the season starts.

“He wants to stay in Tampa — he doesn’t want to go anywhere,” Milstein told The Athletic. “Worst-case, it’s arbitration, they’re not going to lose him. Both sides want him to be in Tampa.”


This is basically a public service announcement for Tampa fans so they don't freak out if they don't sign Kucherov on July 1st or in the summer.

The good news, though, is both sides want him to stay in Tampa and we doubt Steve Yzerman will let one of the NHL's best players leave.

(H/T: Joe Smith)