Eduardo A. Encina

After coming up empty the past two seasons, the right wing is recognized as the league’s most valuable player after putting up points at a historic pace.

TAMPA, Fla. - A strong argument could be made that Nikita Kucherov hasn't gotten his due for the spectacular stretch he put together the past three seasons, over which he was the league's top point producer.

He upped his game when his team needed it most, says voter and Tampa Bay Times beat reporter Eduardo A. Encina.

Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov won his second Hart Trophy by just 10 voting points.

Unable to re-sign Raddysh ahead of free agency, Tampa Bay trades its top-scoring defenseman.

The more Darren Raddysh continued to pile up points throughout his breakout season, the more unlikely it seemed that the Lightning would be able to keep him.

Raddysh's departure leaves a significant hole in offensive production and alters the Lightning's offseason.

It was indirect, but Tampa Bay shipping out two first-round picks at the 2025 trade deadline contributed to the deal.

The Toronto and former Tampa Bay defenseman offers his thanks in a social media post.

With its first pick not coming until the 50s again this year, the organization is prepared for all scenarios.