Nikita Kucherov Becomes Lightning’s All-Time Points Leader

Nikita Kucherov is officially the Tampa Bay Lightning’s all-time points leader.

Kucherov picked up an assist on Brayden Point’s first-period power-play goal against the Utah Mammoth, giving him 1,138 career points and moving him past Steven Stamkos for the franchise record.

The milestone comes just days after Kucherov tied Stamkos’ record with a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday.

“He has accumulated a ton of points in his career. That’s what he does,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “He’s a special talent, and guys like him don’t come around very often. He’s given our fans at home a decade of pretty awesome performances.”

In 13 NHL regular seasons, Kucherov has recorded 405 goals and 733 assists for 1,138 points in 890 games. He has six 100-point seasons and five with at least 80 assists.

After the milestone, Kucherov’s teammates cleared the bench to congratulate him.

“It means a lot,” Kucherov said of the new record. “I appreciate everyone who’s played with me and been part of it.”

The 33-year-old was also quick to give Stamkos credit. The two have been close since Kucherov arrived in Tampa Bay for the 2013-14 season, spending years together on the Lightning’s top power play unit.

“He's been really good on and off the ice and he's the reason why I have so many points,” he said. “He's been putting them in the net so many times and I had such a great time playing with him and having him on the power play. He's been a big part of my success and I can't thank him enough. He’s just a great guy”

Kucherov is a two-time Hart Trophy winner with plenty of time to add to his 1,138 career points.

“I’ve had the pleasure of watching every one of those points,” said Cooper. “You look at the list of the players that have played here, Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis, Vinny Lecavalier, Victor Hedman, guys that have their names in the rafters—and he stands alone.”