Wild's potential Nikita Kucherov pursuit faces a significant salary cap problem

The Minnesota Wild blew a two-goal lead they held for most of the game in Saturday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. But if there’s any consolation, they may have gotten a glimpse at their future.

Nikita Kucherov had two points on the power play, including the game-winner at 3:23 of the extra period to give the Lightning the win. But the reigning Hart Trophy winner’s future is unclear as he’s in the final year of his contract and asked for a trade on Oct. 30.

While it is a pipe dream scenario, some, such as The Athletic’s Joe Smith, have pondered if Kucherov could be a fallback plan if Quinn Hughes doesn’t re-sign and Kucherov hits free agency next summer.