Tampa Bay Lightning Place Nikita Kucherov On LTIR

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed Nikita Kucherov on LTIR. This is the second time in two seasons for the star winger. With this, the Lightning will save $9.5 million until he's removed from it.

#Lightning placed Nikita Kucherov on Long Term Injured Reserve today. The move gives Tampa Bay an additional $9,500,000 in their LTI Salary Relief pool. https://t.co/craNwYriS2
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) October 20, 2021

Kucherov injured himself in Saturday's game against the Washington Capitals. After aiming to avoid Garnet Hathaway, he was in instant pain and limped off the ice. A few Washington players also helped get to the bench as well.

This does not look good 🥺@TBLightning's Nikita Kucherov leaves the game. pic.twitter.com/5ffpNfMyPE
— Bally Sports Sun: Lightning (@BallyLightning) October 17, 2021

It was previously reported that Kucherov may need surgery and with him now being placed on LTIR, it seems more likely. With the Lightning having less depth offensively than last season, Kucherov being out long-term is even worse for them. However, head coach Jon Cooper has also stated that he wouldn't miss 56 games like last season, so he should before the end of the regular season.