The Tampa Bay Lightning could have restricted free-agent Nikita Kucherov in the lineup when they open their season on Thursday.

According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the negotiations are intensifying between the two sides and it's "likely" Kucherov plays against the Detroit Red Wings later this week.

 

The 23-year-old scored 30 goals and added 36 assists in 77 games last season. He added 11 goals and recorded 19 points in 17 playoff games.

The Russian winger owns 68 goals and 149 points since debuting with the Lightning during the 2013-14 season.

Kucherov was selected by Lightning in the second round (58th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.