Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov adds incredible milestone to Hart Trophy-caliber season

Nikita Kucherov won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season after a ridiculous 41-goal, 128-campaign helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win the President’s Trophy.

Although the Bolts were shockingly swept in the first round, they would go on to win the next two Stanley Cups, and come within two wins of a three peat — in large part due to the Russian superstar.

In 2023-24, Kucherov has picked up right where he left off, leading the league with 75 points in just 44 games. He’s having another massive campaign, and added an incredible milestone to a fantastic career in Thursday’s 7-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild.

Kucherov picked up three assists in the contest, reaching No. 500 in the process. The milestone came on a Steven Stamkos powerplay tally early in the third period — the 205th career PPG for Stammer.

But it’s been the Nikita Kucherov show this season, with the  30-year-old becoming the third fastest active player to reach 500 assists, per The Associated Press. He trails just Connor McDavid (527 games) and Sidney Crosby (554 games) in that regard.

“He’s hitting them so quick,” linemate Brayden Point said of Kucherov’s excellence this year, per The Associated Press. “He’s having another unbelievable year for us. Not surprising that he’s got 500 assists already. The way he sees the ice and the way he can make plays.”

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