general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed that star winger is expected to miss the 2020-21 regular season after undergoing hip surgery.
Joe Smith @JoeSmithTB#tblightning Julien BriseBois said Nikita Kucherov first reported hip issues in Dec. 3, was dealing with groin injury in playoffs. Tried treatment first with hopes it would work. But said it would be impossible to play through for full season; similar surgery as Point + Gourde
The 27-year-old is among the NHL's most dangerous offensive players, finishing last season with 33 goals and 52 assists in 58 games. He led the Lightning in points (34) in the playoffs over 25 games as they went on to lift the Stanley Cup.