Nikita Kucherov Set to Become Extension Eligible on July 1

While Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois has quite a bit of work to get done as he looks to improve the Bolts ahead of the 2026-27 season, he'll have another major piece of business to attend to as well. As of July 1, star forward Nikita Kucherov will officially enter the final year of his current contract, meaning he'll be eligible to sign a new contract extension.