Kucherov will play at World Cup even if unsigned by Lightning

For Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov, national pride takes precedence over business.

The 23-year-old remains a restricted free agent as the World Cup is set to kick off in just under two weeks, but Kucherov is not ready to squander a great opportunity just because he lacks a new contract.

"I have a chance to play for Team Russia against the best players in the world and I'm not going to lose it," Kucherov said, according to Tom Gulitti of NHL.com.

No one understands more about what Kucherov is currently going through than his Team Russia teammate Dmitry Orlov, who also remains without a new contract with the Washington Capitals.

"I think everybody wants to have a contract before the World Cup begins," Orlov said. "Right now I'm trying not to think too much about that. We'll see how it goes. Everybody wants to be signed quicker, but right now I'm getting ready for this tournament and we'll see how it goes."

Kucherov is coming off his third season with the Lightning, one that saw him lead the club with 66 points in 77 games during the regular season, and with 11 goals and 19 points during the postseason.