Stamkos Shares High Praise for Kucherov in Recent Interview

November 3, 2026 - 11:01

Tampa Bay Lightning legend Steven Stamkos had warm words for NHL superstar Nikita Kucherov, his longtime teammate with the Bolts. Even though the two are no longer suiting up together, Stamkos made it clear that his appreciation for Kucherov has not faded at all. He spoke glowingly about the Russian forward during a recent conversation with NHL.com.

In the interview, Stamkos reflected on what makes Kucherov such a special player and what it was like to share a locker room with him for so many seasons. The two spent years skating on the same roster in Tampa Bay, building a strong connection on and off the ice. Stamkos noted how Kucherov's vision, skill, and competitive drive set him apart from most players in the league. He also touched on the chemistry they developed over the years, which helped power the Lightning through some of the most successful stretches in franchise history.

Stamkos did not hold back when describing Kucherov's impact on the team and on the game itself. He pointed to Kucherov's ability to control play and create scoring chances out of nothing, qualities that have made him one of the most dangerous offensive threats in hockey. The former captain also mentioned how much he enjoyed watching Kucherov grow from a young talent into a leader and a cornerstone of the organization.

The comments come as no surprise to anyone who followed the Lightning during their championship runs. Stamkos and Kucherov were central figures in those victories, and their mutual respect has remained strong even as their careers have taken different paths. Kucherov continues to produce at an elite level, and praise from a player of Stamkos's stature carries real weight. For fans in Tampa Bay, the bond between the two stars remains one of the defining stories of the team's recent era.