From everything we've witnessed in his time in Tampa Bay, Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov seems like a pretty cool guy.
He enhances that reputation just a little bit more.
For those who don't know the story of Igor Larionov, a condensed version tells you that he was among the first wave Russian players to play in the National Hockey League in the late 1980s. It was Larionov's (along with a few others) effort to fight the then-Soviet Union's policy to punish players who openly expressed their desire to play professional hockey in North America.
Fast-forward to Wednesday, as Larionov and his son were eating in a restaurant, and Igor didn't know the number calling him. Most of us would just let the phone ring, but not Igor.
On the other end was Nikita Kucherov, having just won the Stanley Cup.
Kuch told Larionov "You're my idol, thank you" multiple times during the call.
Pretty cool, if you ask us.
COVER PHOTO: Getty Images