Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov Remains Underrated Despite Recording 1,000 Points
For 12 seasons, Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov has quietly put together a Hall of Fame résumé without a ton of fanfare.
Kucherov has already lifted the Stanley Cup twice, captured three Art Ross trophies and one Hart Trophy.
On Saturday, the 32-year-old wing became the third-fastest active player to reach 1,000 career points. Only Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid (659 games) and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (757 games) have accomplished the feat in fewer games among active skaters.
Kucherov assisted Jake Guentzel’s goal at 12:19 of the second period to reach the milestone. He became the 101st player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points.
His Lightning teammates immediately left the bench to congratulate him and celebrated the moment. Play stopped and Kucherov took to center ice to salute the fans at Benchmark International Arena.
1,001 Career Points and Counting…
The Lightning went on to pull off a 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Kucherov finished the contest with two assists, bringing his career point total to 1,001 points (359 goals, 642 assists) in 809 career regular season games.
Not one to revel in the spotlight, Kucherov credited his teammates and fans for their impact on his career.
“It was a great feeling,” Kucherov told reporters following the victory. “It was something I never thought I would reach, and I’m really honored. I’m fortunate to have had great teammates along the way. Without them, I wouldn’t be here, and I wouldn’t have done that. And also without the fans’ support. They’ve been a huge part of it, and I’m just really blessed.”
Across 12 seasons, Kucherov has averaged 101.5 points (36.4 goals, 65.1 assists) per 82 regular season games.
Since joining the Lightning as the 58th overall pick in the 2011 NHL entry draft, Kucherov has been one of the league’s standout talents due to his flowing confidence, explosive skating ability, mastery of one-on-one moves and his needle-threading vision.
He’s done it all in one uniform and in one city. Oddly, he’s never gotten the appropriate level of attention that his top-level ability deserves – but that’s probably the way he likes it.
Kucherov is the NHL’s quiet superstar. He just keeps letting his game do all the talking.
Years from now, when his name is enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, he'll finally get his due.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.