Big Money for Nikita Kucherov – Beckett Pricing Insider
The NHL’s off-season is in full swing and the Tampa Bay Lightning are proving to be major players. The franchise has been linked to Erik Karlsson, who remains in Ottawa (for now), and they inked both Slater Koekkoek and Adam Erne to one-year contracts. But the Lightning’s biggest deal came when they locked down right winger Nikita Kucherov to an eight-year, $76 million extension.
2013-14 Upper Deck Nikita Kucherov RC
Key to the team’s future, the 25-year-old looks to be a mainstay in the Sunshine State as he anchors the Lighting’s top line alongside Steven Stamkos, just as he has the past two season. The pairing of Stamkos and Kucherov has led to one of the most explosive in the NHL as the duo were first and second, respectively, in points this past season.
Kucherov reached the 100 point plateau for the first time in his caree,r netting 39 goals and adding 61 assists. Stamkos was just behind him with 86 points on 27 goals and 59 assists.
Kucherov’s stellar season led to a rise in demand for his cards on the secondary market. In turn, it resulted in some “up arrows” in the Beckett Price Guide. He’s a player that should be on your collecting radar if he isn’t already. His rookies are still affordable and can be found in 2013-14 products from both Panini and Upper Deck products. The most notable is his Young Guns RC that is regularly selling in the $60 range.
This edition of the Beckett Pricing Insider is sponsored by Classic Auctions.
