Nikita Kucherov is a name that defines modern NHL excellence. As a right winger and alternate captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning, he has become one of the most decorated and impactful players in hockey. Here’s a deep dive into his personal life, early beginnings, professional career, net worth, endorsements, records, and more.
Nikita Kucherov’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Nikita Igorevich Kucherov |
| Nickname | “Kuch” |
| Born | June 17, 1993 |
| Age | 31Years |
| Birthplace | Maykop, Russia |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| College | Not attended (developed in Russian hockey system) |
| Turned Pro | 2010 (Russia); NHL debut in 2013 |
| NHL Draft | 2011, 2nd round (58th overall), Tampa Bay Lightning |
| Net Worth | Approx. $77.4 million |
| Annual Salary | $9,500,000 |
| Spouse | Anastasiya Kucherova |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 1 son |
| Instagram Profile | @86kucherov (Twitter presence confirmed) |
Early Career
Kucherov began his hockey journey in Russia, playing for CSKA Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Seeking to adapt to North American hockey, he joined the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). His impressive performance in junior hockey led to his selection by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Professional Career
Nikita Kucherov made his NHL debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2013, scoring a goal on his first shot and first shift. He quickly established himself as an elite scorer and playmaker. Kucherov won the Hart Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award in 2019, marking him as the league’s MVP, top scorer, and most outstanding player as voted by peers.
He led the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, topping the playoffs in points both years. Kucherov has set numerous records, including most points by a Russian-born player in a single season (144), and holds franchise playoff records for points, goals, and assists. In 2024 and 2025, he captured his second and third Art Ross Trophies, and in 2025, he received his second Ted Lindsay Award, further cementing his legacy as one of the NHL’s best.
Wife
Nikita Kucherov is married to Anastasiya Kucherova. The couple has a son. Kucherov is known to keep his family life away from the public eye, focusing on his career and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Nikita Kucherov’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Nikita Kucherov’s career earnings are estimated at $77.4 million, with his net worth likely reflecting this figure. His wealth comes from NHL salaries, bonuses, and endorsement deals, making him one of the highest-earning Russian players in NHL history.
Prize Money
| Season | Earnings (USD) |
| 2013-14 | $692,500 |
| 2014-15 | $742,500 |
| 2015-16 | $700,000 |
| 2016-17 | $4,250,000 |
| 2017-18 | $4,500,000 |
| 2018-19 | $5,550,000 |
| 2019-20 | $12,000,000 |
| 2020-21 | $9,000,000 |
| 2021-22 | $12,000,000 |
| 2022-23 | $9,000,000 |
| 2023-24 | $10,000,000 |
| 2024-25 | $9,000,000 |
| Total | $77,435,000 |
Endorsements
- Adidas
- Bud Light
- 86kuch.com (his personal brand)
- Additional deals across categories like accessories, footwear, alcoholic beverages, and insurance
Career Records
| Opponent/Competition | Record/Notable Performance |
| Stanley Cup Finals | 23 games, 6 goals, 14 assists |
| Most Points in a Season | 144 (Russian-born player record) |
| Franchise Playoff Records | Most points, goals, assists |
| International | World Juniors (Silver, Bronze), World Championships (Bronze) |
FAQs
1. Who is Nikita Kucherov?
Nikita Kucherov is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger and alternate captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.
2. What major awards has Kucherov won?
Kucherov has won the Hart Memorial Trophy (NHL MVP), Art Ross Trophy (league’s leading scorer) three times, and the Ted Lindsay Award (best player as voted by peers) twice.
3. How many Stanley Cups has Kucherov won?
He has won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning, in 2020 and 2021, leading the playoffs in scoring both years.
4. What records does Kucherov hold?
Kucherov holds the record for most points by a Russian-born player in a single NHL season (144) and multiple Tampa Bay Lightning franchise playoff records for points, goals, and assists.
5. When and where was Kucherov born?
He was born on June 17, 1993, in Maykop, Russia.
6. What is Kucherov’s NHL draft history?
Kucherov was selected 58th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2011 NHL Draft.
7. How many career points does Kucherov have?
As of the end of the 2024–25 season, Kucherov has 357 goals and 637 assists for 994 points in 803 NHL games.
8. Has Kucherov played internationally for Russia?
Yes, Kucherov has represented Russia in several international tournaments, winning medals at the World Junior Championships and World Championships.
9. What is Kucherov’s playing style known for?
Kucherov is renowned for his elite passing, vision, and offensive creativity, consistently ranking among the league’s top scorers and assist leaders.
10. What is Kucherov’s family background?
He is married to Anastasiya, has a son, and his father Igor is a Colonel in the Russian Army.