As we turn the page to the 2025-26 NHL season, the fantasy hockey world is buzzing with one burning question: what does Nikita Kucherov have in store for an encore? After a Hart Trophy-worthy campaign that saw him rack up an astounding 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists) in just 78 games, the bar is set incredibly high. But if there’s one player in the league who consistently defies expectations and continues to elevate his game, it’s the electrifying winger for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
From my perspective, simply expecting a repeat of last season’s heroics would be selling him short. While a point regression is a common talking point for players coming off such a dominant season, Kucherov is a unique case. His hockey IQ is arguably the best in the game, and his vision on the ice is second to none. This isn’t a player who relies on sheer luck; he dictates the play and creates opportunities out of thin air.
A Power Play Poised for Dominance
A significant factor in Kucherov’s continued success will be the Lightning’s lethal power play. Last season, Tampa Bay boasted a formidable unit that clicked at an impressive rate. Now, imagine that unit with a full season of chemistry. Sharing the ice with the likes of the ever-dangerous Brayden Point, the quarterbacking prowess of Victor Hedman from the blue line, the pure goal-scoring instinct of Jake Guentzel, and the relentless motor of Brandon Hagel, the sky is the limit.
This five-man unit presents a nightmare for opposing penalty kills. Each player is a threat in their own right, preventing teams from keying in on just Kucherov. Point’s net-front presence and quick hands, Hedman’s booming shot and distribution, Guentzel’s knack for finding soft spots, and Hagel’s puck retrieval skills create a symphony of offensive pressure with Kucherov as the conductor. I foresee this power play being even more efficient, and Kucherov will be the primary beneficiary.
Projecting the Points for 2025-26
So, what are the magic numbers for Kucherov in the upcoming season? I’m anticipating a slight dip in his assist total, not due to a decline in his playmaking ability, but rather a slight uptick in his goal-scoring. He showed a willingness to shoot the puck more when the opportunity presented itself last year, and with the talent around him, he’ll find himself in more prime scoring areas.
Projected Stats:
- Goals: 42
- Assists: 78
- Total Points: 120
I’m projecting Kucherov to once again hit the 120-point plateau. He’ll be a man on a mission, not only to lead the Lightning back to Stanley Cup glory but also to cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. For fantasy owners, he remains a top-three pick, and you can book it. The combination of his individual brilliance and the strength of his supporting cast, particularly on the power play, makes him a near-lock for another spectacular offensive season. Don’t be surprised to see him near the top of the Art Ross Trophy race once again.
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