By The Tampa Bay Lightning’s core isn’t waiting for training camp to get back to work. Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and several other veterans have spent weeks sharpening their skills.
Lightning Core Returns Early
Back in June, we reported that Tampa Bay Lightning stars Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point had returned to the ice in Brandon. That wasn’t a one-time skate. The pair has continued its offseason work under the supervision of Lightning alumni and 2004 Stanley Cup champion Dmitri Afanasenkov.
Their sessions have focused on passing and shooting drills, along with keep-away games designed to improve puck protection and decision-making in tight spaces. Kucherov, the 2026 Hart Memorial Trophy winner, has trained with Afanasenkov for years, so his skating with him comes as no surprise.
What has stood out this summer is the level of participation from the rest of the Lightning roster. Several weeks ago, many Tampa Bay players returned to the ice long before training camp.
One Notable Absence
One notable absence, however, has been newly signed forward Ilya Mikheyev.
During his introductory Zoom interview with Tampa Bay media, Mikheyev admitted that he does not know Nikita Kucherov or Andrei Vasilevskiy well. The offseason often allows new players to build relationships with teammates and become familiar with an organization’s culture.
Instead, Mikheyev has spent much of his offseason skating with a group of Russian NHL players in the Miami area.
That decision naturally raises questions. Tampa Bay already has one of the area’s most respected skills coaches in Dmitri Afanasenkov. For a player joining a new organization, working alongside established teammates and learning from someone deeply connected to the Lightning’s culture could offer an opportunity to accelerate the adjustment process.
A Proven NHL Player Faces New Expectations
Mikheyev signed a four-year, $15.4 million contract with the Lightning this summer and projects as an important addition to Tampa Bay’s penalty-killing unit.
The 31-year-old first gained attention under Mike Babcock in Toronto, recording eight goals and 23 points in 39 games during his rookie NHL season. During the 2025–26 campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks, he scored 18 goals and added 18 assists for 36 points in 77 games.
Across seven NHL seasons, Mikheyev has averaged approximately 14 minutes of ice time per game. For a player with that average workload, he has earned another significant contract.
Now comes the challenge of fitting into Tampa Bay’s system.
The Lightning play a fast, attack-minded style that demands responsibility at both ends of the ice. The club has also looked to tighten its defensive play after inconsistencies over the past several seasons, meaning Mikheyev should expect meaningful minutes, particularly in defensive situations and on the penalty kill.
Culture Matters
This is where the offseason becomes about more than conditioning.
Kucherov, Point, and many other Lightning veterans have returned to the HOME ice weeks before camp.
Mikheyev has chosen a different approach. Maybe it’s a matter of personal preference. Maybe it’s existing relationships. Maybe he wasn’t aware of the opportunity. Whatever the reason, it’s difficult not to wonder why a player who is new to Tampa Bay wouldn’t take advantage of working with a coach who understands the organization’s culture and has helped train one of the best players in the world for years.
Instead, the undrafted winger continues skating with coaches in South Florida whose offseason sessions often generate more social media attention than hockey discussion.
Only time will tell whether that decision matters once the season begins. But one thing is already clear: Tampa Bay’s veteran core has once again set the standard before training camp even opens.
