Bold Prediction Proposed For Kucherov's Next Destination

Nikita Kucherov, the reigning MVP of the league, is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The Tampa Bay Lightning and the superstar forward are not close to any sort of agreement on an extension, though there is mutual interest and preliminary discussions have been had.  

But Kucherov, the two-time Hart Trophy winner, three-time Art Ross winner (scoring champion), two-time playoff scoring champion and two-time Stanley Cup champion, will be asking for a massive number on his next deal, obviously, in excess of $20 million annually. 

So what if—a big emphasis on IF for the time being—the two sides can't come to terms and Kucherov makes it to free agency? 

Insider Jeff Marek proposed a wild theory on The Sheet—and yes, he's just speculating—that there's one intriguing team that could both afford him, and will be ready to make that next big move to win a Stanley Cup:

"It hits on a lot of SPECULATIVE, levels"

Jeff Marek could see a world where Nikita Kucherov becomes a Montreal Canadien next July 1st 👀@JeffMarek | @hockeyaccent1 | #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/VLquukx1ji

— The Sheet with Jeff Marek (@thesheethockey) September 24, 2026

 "If things don't work out with Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning, he's one year away from free agency... I could see a world — Could you guys see a world where next July 1st, Nikita Kucherov becomes a member of the Montreal Canadiens?...

"Don't forget, what have we been talking about? Look at the deal they got on (Ivan) Demidov. Look at the deal they got on (Lane) Hutson. Look ... at what they're only paying Nick Suzuki. And everybody is locked up and they have the superstar spot (open). Every team has that moment where it's like... 'All right, where are we on our winning cycle and are we ready for the big deal?'"

Marek goes on to add a few points that have this bold prediction making some sense: Kucherov's agent Dan Milstein has a great relationship with the Habs, and Montreal has the cap space (about $29M projected for next season). 

"If they want 20 (million dollars AAV), Montreal's got 20," Marek says.

He alluded to all of the great contracts they have their stars locked up at: Demidov at $9.15M, Hutson at $8.85M, Suzuki at $7.875M, Cole Caufield at $7.85M, and don't forget Juraj Slafkovsky at $7.6M. The point is well taken: All of their stars were locked in before the insane explosion of salaries this summer, so if they need to blow their load on a superstar like Kucherov, they can afford it. 

It's intriguing, but Marek insists, again, he's just "speculating" for now. But it's a juicy speculation.