As the clock continues to tick on the NHL's preseason, Nikita Kucherov remains without a contract. One of the big questions for the Tampa Bay Lightning right now is who can and will step up to serve as a "replacement" for the dynamic Russian should the need arise. If preseason play is any indication, Brayden Point appears poised to do the job well.
The general consensus heading into camp was that Cory Conacher would fit the role, having performed at a high level with the Lightning's top players in the past. That much was made clear by Lightning Assistant GM Julien BriseBois, who framed Conacher's situation as follows:
If the plan is for him to be up with the Lightning all year anyways, it just makes sense to slide him into Kucherov's spot until Kucherov signs on the dotted line, right? Even if Conacher isn't the offensive dynamo and everyday NHL player he appeared to be during his original stint with the Lightning, him taking a short-term tour of duty playing in a familiar top-six setting likely can't turn into a disaster.