Nikita Kucherov goes after Florida Panthers top prospect for hitting Victor Hedman in preseason game

Last night, the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning were on the ice for a preseason game. Overtime was required to determine the winner, and the Panthers ended up winning 2-1.

In the game, Nikita Kucherov completely lost it when Davies went up to captain Victor Hedman and sent him on the floor with a hit. 

While the hit appeared to be clean, Kucherov didn't appreciate it and forced Davies to drop the gloves.

We don't often see that side of Kucherov's game. But with all the injuries we saw in the preseason so far, it's not surprising to see players step in to defend their teammates, even stars.

Davies, who signed his entry-level contract with the Panthers during the last season, was drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NHL draft. The 20-year-old center spent the last year in the WHL, scoring 61 points in 55 games with the Portland Winterhawks. He also tallied 91 penalty minutes in the season. It's safe to say that he took his physical style to the NHL, and considering the Panthers' great offensive depth, this could be what leads him to a full-time spot in the League.