If he deals in the unexpected now, it may be because as a slight but well-coordinated youth player, being elusive and inventive were matters of survival. Even today, his measurements listed in programs — 6 feet tall, 185 pounds — seem generous.

Kucherov’s work ethic and physical fluidity run in the family. His father and grandfather were talented on the soccer field and had long careers in the Russian military. His mother, Svetlana, was a gymnast with professional aspirations before sustaining an injury. In difficult economic times, she cleaned the local rink to buy her son secondhand skates and Soviet-era equipment.

Kucherov’s N.H.L. success was unexpected. He said his sights were on playing in Russian’s top pro league, the Kontinental Hockey League. Despite a meteoric rise in his draft year that culminated in setting a tournament record for points in the under-18 world championships, he fell to the bottom of the second round in 2011.

After injuries to both shoulders and a falling-out with his Russian club, CSKA Moscow, over who would pay for a surgery, Kucherov voided the final three years of his contract and came to North America at 19. The Lightning and General Manager Steve Yzerman stepped in and attended to Kucherov’s needs.

“He probably saw what kind of player I was going to be,” Kucherov said of Yzerman. “He trusted me. He’s done a great job and he’s just a great person. He’s a smart guy and he used to be a smart player. He treats players, even at a young age, as if they have an opportunity to be a good player in the N.H.L.”

Kucherov played part of the 2012-13 season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he learned English and adapted to the North American ice surface. He made his N.H.L. debut in November 2013, scoring on Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist the first time he touched the puck.

The Hall of Famer Pavel Bure said he could see Kucherov taking his place in the pantheon of productive Russian wings, which includes players like himself, his former teammate Alexander Mogilny and Ovechkin.