Start here today…

Per our good friend Erik Erlendsson at LigtningInsider.com

“Hearing the initial word on Nikita Kucherov is not positive and surgery could be involved. Assuming that's accurate, I'd expect him to miss some time moving forward, should know more later today…”

While there is no official word, it appears to be a groin related injury..

There is already a lot of talk out there that this is just “another example” of Tampa using LTIR to circumvent the CBA. Such talk is completely ludicrous. The Lightning want and need Kucherov in the lineup this season after losing a lot of their depth this past offseason..

Kucherov is one of the best players in the NHL. Top 10 for sure.

If the Lightning were to lose Kucherov for an extended period of time it is not impossible to see this team having to battle for a playoff birth…

What say you?

Watch and listen to the @HockeyBuzz Buzzcast for your daily #NHL news and rumors on:@YouTube https://t.co/yKfvRAkraC@TuneIn https://t.co/gseaUhfA7V@ApplePodcasts https://t.co/M5dT4bhrDt

— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) January 5, 2021

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