The announcement came late Saturday evening during a fan event hosted at Tropicana Field, where Rays supporters gathered for a mid-season celebration. Organizers surprised attendees by presenting the honorary “Best Player of the Year” award to none other than Nikita Kucherov, the standout winger of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning.
A Local Legend — Across Sports
While some fans were initially confused, many cheered the decision, calling it a nod to Kucherov’s incredible impact on the Tampa Bay sports scene. The Russian-born hockey star has led the Lightning to multiple deep playoff runs and is widely considered one of the most elite players in the NHL today.
“He’s not just a hockey icon, he’s a Tampa legend,” said fan club president Michael Suarez. “He embodies the competitive spirit and excellence we admire in athletes — even if they don’t swing a bat.”
Social Media Reactions: Hilarious and Heartfelt
Sports fans across Florida were quick to react on social media. One tweet read:
“Kucherov wins Best Player from Rays fans and doesn’t even know what a curveball is. ICONIC.”
Another user joked:
“When your city loves you so much, other teams start giving you awards. Kucherov for mayor?”
The Rays Respond with a Smile
Even the Tampa Bay Rays’ official account joined in on the fun, posting a photo of Kucherov photoshopped in a Rays uniform, with the caption:
“Hey @TBLightning, can we borrow Kucherov
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