I think it's kind of odd to talk about Kucherov as a generational player, and sets the bar at a point that's not really fair. "Generational" is such a subjective term. Like, if all but the very best players in history are generational (if Crosby is the worst generational player), then Kucherov doesnt make the cut. If you put the bar around MacKinnon level, you have to include Kucherov. Personally, I go with the former. I think there may have been 10 generational players ever.
I grew up a Red Wings fan, switched to TB after college when I started watching hockey again and Steve Yzerman was GM in TB. I'm not sure if Kucherov isnt the best forward I've ever seen play on a game by game basis.
In the early years of Kucherov's career, we used to talk on the TB forums about how there was such a HUGE difference between his A game and his B game. Like, if he wasnt COMPLETELY dialed in with timing, he could be a liability. These days it's really rare to see him have bad stretches. He still coughs up pucks etc, but the offense he provides drastically outweighs those mistakes. I think his ability to see ten steps ahead of the play is on par with the best ever. He doesnt have the skill of some of those great generational players, but I do think he sees the ice as well as they did. I've never seen a guy whose secondary assists are more often the play that was key for the goal than Kucherov. Nor have I ever seen a guy so lethal when standing still, because he knows what he's gonna do before the puck even gets to him.
I dont think he's a generational player, but I think he's very, very special. Probably the second best player in the league right now, and over the last handful of years.
