Check out the latest on Nikita Kucherov, Connor Hellebuyck, and Pavel Zacha in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois reiterated his intention to sign Nikita Kucherov to a contract extension. The 33-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He’s in the final season of an eight-year contract with a cap hit of $9.5 million.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

BriseBois didn’t put a deadline on the negotiations, but he’ll keep working on it. “The sooner the better, obviously. If we want to get technical, I guess he won’t be a free agent until July 1 of next year. Hopefully, it doesn’t get to that point,” BriseBois said.

The Lightning GM believes both sides would’ve preferred getting a deal done by now. He said he’ll keep the lines of communication open with Kucherov’s agent. He also acknowledged the effect the rising salary cap has on player contracts, and how each one is different depending on the player and the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Surprisingly, Kucherov hasn’t signed an extension yet. There’s plenty of time for the two sides to reach an agreement, but the longer he goes without a new deal, the more speculation grows about his future in Tampa Bay.

Kucherov is among the league’s elite stars. He’s a three-time winner of the Art Ross Trophy and a two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner who also helped the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups. Coming off 130 points last season, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. He could be the top player in next summer’s UFA market if he’s still unsigned by then.

Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News recently examined reasons why the Lightning should be concerned about Kucherov’s UFA status, citing his age and the limited competitive years remaining for the current roster. He also noted why they shouldn’t worry, suggesting they can pay him whatever he wants and that he might not want to leave.

It would be interesting to learn what the sticking points are in these negotiations. The Kucherov camp could be seeking a longer term or more money than the Lightning are willing to give. Given his age, those are reasonable concerns.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe reports Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen declined to comment about his rumored interest in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

Kekalainen said he never told anyone in the media about his discussions with other general managers, so he doesn’t know where they’re coming from. He also expressed confidence in his goalie trio of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres were reportedly close to acquiring Hellebuyck in late June, but the deal fell through after a swap of draft picks before the 2026 NHL Draft.

Kekalainen won’t publicly admit any interest in Hellebuyck because it would violate the league’s anti-tampering rules. Nevertheless, don’t be surprised if the Sabres remain linked to the Jets goaltender in the rumor mill.

BOSTON HERALD: Earlier this week, Steve Conroy reported uncertainty remained about Pavel Zacha’s future with the Bruins.

The 29-year-old center is UFA-eligible next July. Bruins GM Don Sweeney said earlier this summer that signing Zacha was a priority, but a deal hasn’t materialized.

Zacha is due for an expensive raise from his current $4.75 million AAV. However, Conroy speculated the cost to re-sign the two-way center might not fit in the Bruins’ youth movement expected to take place over the next two years.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley reports Sweeney provided an update on Zacha’s contract situation. He stressed the center’s importance to the Bruins, adding that discussions are ongoing with his agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney could take a wait-and-see approach with Zacha, who had a career-best 30 goals and 65 points last season. If he doesn’t meet or exceed those numbers, it could justify offering him a lesser deal. However, the asking price could be higher if he has another career year.

Zacha’s situation will be worth monitoring this season. He could become available by the March 1 trade deadline if the Bruins are out of playoff contention and he’s still unsigned. Contenders seeking depth at center will be very interested in Zacha.