Comparing the Lightning Core to Ottawa’s Prospects

Nikita Kucherov

Acquired: Drafted 58th overall in 2011

Kucherov flew under the radar a bit in his draft year, in fact, Tampa themselves preferred fellow Russian and former Senator Vladislav Namestnikov, taking him in the first round in 2011. But Kucherov quickly established himself as a dominant offensive player in the NHL scoring 29 goals his sophomore year and topping 30 every year since including two 40-plus campaigns. Kucherov was a key piece of Tampa’s offence in their first finals appearance in 2015 and was a top-line force this year.

Comparable: Alex Formenton, Drafted 47th overall in 2017

Much like Kucherov, Formenton was a well-regarded prospect in his draft year but not the kind of player you target in the first round. In fact, Ottawa picked Shane Bowers, since traded to Colorado in the Matt Duchene trade, ahead of him in 2017. Formenton’s speed and size have helped him tear up the AHL and may have him in line for a Kucherov-style breakout next year. His raw scoring numbers probably won’t reach Kucherov’s heights, but he still could establish himself as a bona fide star in the league.