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Nikita Kucherov Becomes Tampa Bay Lightning Scoring Leader

Nikita Kucherov has officially become the all-time leading scorer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, reaching 1,138 career points during his 14th NHL season.

FollowinTrend Desk Oct 31, 2026, 4:00 AM 2 min read AI-assisted

A professional ice hockey player skating on the rink during a competitive game. — Photo: JillWellington / Pixabay Illustrative stock photo, not taken at the event.

Quick facts

Nikita Kucherov reached 1,138 career points on October 29, 2026.
The record was set in his 890th career game, all played with the Lightning.
He surpassed former teammate Steven Stamkos, who previously held the franchise record.

Why it matters

Nikita Kucherov's ascent to the top of the Lightning's all-time scoring list underscores his status as one of the most productive wingers in modern NHL history. His transition from a long-term partner of Steven Stamkos to a primary mentor and playmaker for Brayden Point highlights his evolving role within the franchise. The record reflects a decade of consistent offensive output that remains central to the team's competitive strategy.

Nikita Kucherov has officially become the all-time leading scorer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, marking a milestone in his 14th NHL season. The 33-year-old forward reached 1,138 career points during a game against the Utah Mammoth, surpassing the previous record held by his former teammate, Steven Stamkos.

Why it is trending now

The record was confirmed during a game on Saturday, October 24, 2026, when Kucherov provided the primary assist on a goal scored by Brayden Point. The achievement triggered a wave of recognition from the franchise, including a special tribute video played at Benchmark International Arena and a standing ovation from fans in attendance.

Key facts

According to NHL.com, Kucherov achieved the 1,138th point of his career in his 890th game.
The milestone was reached on a power-play goal by teammate Brayden Point, as reported by The Hockey News.
Kucherov has spent his entire 13-season professional career with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization.
The team honored the forward with a tribute that highlighted his training, commitment, and style of play.

Why this is trending in Canada

While the record is specific to the Florida-based Tampa Bay Lightning, the achievement of a high-profile NHL star consistently draws significant interest from Canadian hockey fans. The notes do not specify a unique Canadian-based event tied to this record, indicating that this is part of a broader trend of interest in elite NHL milestones.

Background and context

Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos maintained a long-standing partnership with the Lightning, winning two Stanley Cup championships together. The two players shared a high level of on-ice chemistry, having factored on the same goal 300 times during their tenure as teammates. Following the departure of Stamkos to the Nashville Predators, Kucherov has continued to anchor the Lightning's offense alongside Brayden Point.

What happens next

As of October 30, 2026, Nikita Kucherov has shifted his focus back to the ongoing NHL season. According to reports, his primary goal remains helping the Tampa Bay Lightning compete for another Stanley Cup championship. Details regarding further team celebrations were not available at the time of writing.

Frequently asked questions

How many points does Nikita Kucherov have?

As of the most recent report, Nikita Kucherov has recorded 1,138 career points, making him the all-time leading scorer in Tampa Bay Lightning franchise history.

Who held the previous Lightning scoring record?

The previous franchise record for all-time points was held by Steven Stamkos, who is now a forward for the Nashville Predators.

How many games did it take to set the record?

Nikita Kucherov set the new franchise scoring record in his 890th career NHL game, all of which were played with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

What was the reaction to the record?

Fans at Benchmark International Arena gave Kucherov a standing ovation and chanted his name during the game. The team also played a tribute video honoring his career contributions.

Is Nikita Kucherov retiring?

No. Reports indicate that Kucherov remains focused on the current season and is committed to helping the Tampa Bay Lightning compete for another Stanley Cup championship.