Tampa Bay star forward Nikita Kucherov will miss approximately 8 to 10 weeks after undergoing a procedure for a lower-body injury, the Lightning announced Wednesday.
The team said Kucherov had the procedure on Tuesday but didn’t reveal the type performed.
Multiple published reports indicate Kucherov sustained a groin injury during a game against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 16. He hasn’t played since being hurt.
Kucherov, 28, has one goal and three assists in three games this season.
Kucherov missed the 2020-21 regular season following hip surgery in December. He returned with a flourish in the playoffs, recording 32 points (eight goals, 24 assists) in 23 games to help the Lightning repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
Kucherov won the Hart Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award in 2018-19 after scoring a career-high 41 goals and leading the league in assists (87) and points (128).
He has 551 points (222 goals, 329 assists) in 518 career games since making his debut in 2013.
Kucherov signed an eight-year, $76 million contract extension in July 2018.
–Field Level Media