Lightning Sign 2011 Second-Round Pick Nikita Kucherov

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed right wing Nikita Kucherov to a three-year, entry-level contract today, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced.

Kucherov, 5-foot-11, 174 pounds, is currently playing with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League after he was taken in the 2012 CHL Import Draft. He has yet to appear in a game with the Remparts due to off-season shoulder surgery that also kept him off the ice for the Lightning’s 2012 Development Camp.

A native of Moscow, Russia, Kucherov played in 18 games with CSKA Moscow of the KHL last season, recording a goal and five points. He also played in 23 games with CSKA’s junior team (MHL), registering 24 goals and 43 points. Kucherov also represented his native Russia at the 2012 World Junior Championships, recording two goals and seven points. He ranked fourth on the team for points and assists (5). Kucherov also named the best forward at the 2011 U-18 World Championships after leading the tournament with 11 goals and 21 points in seven games.

He was selected by Tampa Bay in the second round, 58th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft