The Lightning could face difficult extension talks with Nikita Kucherov, Leon Draisaitil weighs in on new Oilers coach Mike Babcock, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato recently suggested that Nikita Kucherov’s contract extension talks with the Tampa Bay Lightning could get complicated.

Kucherov is coming off a 130-point performance in 2025-26, including a remarkable stretch in which he netted 107 points in a 53-game stretch. That effort earned the 33-year-old winger his second Hart Memorial Trophy.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

Eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, Kucherov can now sign an extension with the Lightning. He’s in the final season of an eight-year contract worth an average annual value of $9.5 million.

Amato doesn’t think it’s unreasonable for Kucherov to seek an $18 million AAV on his next contract. However, his age suggests he’s unlikely to accept a modest raise over his current salary. He suggested something comparable to the $14 million AAV that Leon Draisaitl is currently earning with the Edmonton Oilers.

Given Kucherov’s age, he’ll likely try to get as much term as possible, while the Lightning could prefer a shorter term. However, Amato speculated that the Bolts could entertain a league-maximum seven-year deal if signed before the maximum is shortened by a year after Sept. 15 or a six-year deal if signed after Sept. 15 if it’ll reduce the AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how this plays out. The Lightning have $30.675 million in projected cap space for 2027-28, with 14 active roster players (including all core players except Kucherov) under contract.

A new contract for Kucherov could take up half that cap space, but it should leave enough for the Lightning to fill out their roster and ice a competitive team.

Being in a no-tax state could also work in the Lightning’s favor as in the past. Nevertheless, Kucherov will get a lucrative new deal, either with Tampa Bay or another club if he goes to market next summer.

NHL.COM: Leon Draisaitl is looking forward to playing under Mike Babcock, the controversial new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.

“I think he’s got a very clear plan, and I think he holds guys accountable, and I think to him, it’s not about who it is when it comes to accountability, you know?” Draisaitl said. “Like, we’re looking to be coached. We’re looking to get better, and I sometimes deserve (to be yelled at) too, just like anyone else does. I don’t think Babs is going to care overly much who we are in terms of that. I think sometimes that’s needed.”

Draisaitl also said that he believes Babcock will bring a different attitude and mentality to the Oilers. He claimed that everyone on the team is excited about the coming season and is looking forward to playing for their new coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is gambling that Babcock can help the Oilers return to Stanley Cup contention. If it pays off, he’ll look like a genius for taking that risk. But if this gambit fails, it could have far-reaching consequences for the Oilers, especially the future of superstar Connor McDavid, who is in the first season of a two-year contract.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Traikos dismissed recent speculation suggesting Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper might leave at the end of this season to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Traikos pointed out that Cooper won the Jack Adams Award as the league’s top coach for the first time last season. He also noted that Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois intends to keep him around for a long time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Traikos also noted that the Maple Leafs hired Jim Hiller this spring as their new bench boss. Unless the Maple Leafs repeat last season’s disappointing performance, they’re unlikely to seek a replacement next summer.

Anything’s possible, of course, and maybe Cooper decides he needs a change and a new challenge, or maybe he and the Bolts won’t agree to a new contract. Ending the Maple Leafs six-decades-and-counting Cup drought would be the ultimate test of his coaching abilities. Nevertheless, it seems more likely that he stays in Tampa Bay.

BOSTON HERALD: Bruins head coach Marco Sturm said conversations are ongoing with management and the front office about selecting a suitable player as the club’s next captain. They were without one last season, spreading the duties between alternate captains David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Hampus Lindholm.

Sturm also believes that Michael DiPietro will do a good job as the Bruins’ new backup goaltender. He pointed out that DiPietro was outstanding for their AHL affiliate in Providence over the last two seasons.

The Bruins coach also hasn’t decided yet which of his centers will skate alongside Pastrnak, but feels he has some good options. He noted that Pavel Zacha had a solid season in that role, and believes Elias Lindholm has proven he can play with Pastrnak.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin listed five NHL teams that he believes improved during the offseason.

The Florida Panthers are on Larkin’s list as he cited what should be a healthier roster this season and the addition of winger Brady Tkachuk. Larkin also included the Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Utah Mammoth, and Washington Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I believe the Capitals’ addition of Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch and Boone Jenner will make them the most improved on Larkin’s list.

Do you agree with this list? Is there another team that you think should be here? Let us know in the comments section below.