What's up ppl... I was just reading up on his scouting report and projections on a few sites and they seem to project him as a marginal 2nd liner in the future and more of a checker than scorer. Obviously not having seen him play in N.A. I don't know how to take these, anyone heard different? I know he's very highly touted, but we need him to score, I'm just not sure if he's going to be that type.... time will tell I suppose.
The most I've seen from him is a couple of compilation best-of videos off of Youtube, but based off that, he honestly looks like a mix of both. He's got a bullet shot, tons of speed, and he's strong enough to hold off some big defenders.
He's closer to a scorer then a grinder in my opinion. He's not going to score flashy goals but he will prolly score similar to how Erik Cole does by either driving to the the net or using there speed and strength and beating them to the outside.
Sounds great so far, I really have seen very little of him TBH. Most of what I "know" is just the reading I've done, which isn't all that reliable sometimes lol. But would you guys say he's top line this season? I'm not so sure, I'd like him on the second line with Grabovski perhaps, since his grit can help protect Grabby.
He's closer to a scorer then a grinder in my opinion. He's not going to score flashy goals but he will prolly score similar to how Erik Cole does by either driving to the the net or using there speed and strength and beating them to the outside.
I'm loving the speed I hear he's got, we really seem to have improved that aspect of the team, at least among the forwards. I have no idea how Finger and Frogren skate, so I can't say about the Defence.
Speed had to be our biggest flaw the past few years, and I'd venture to suggest it's been a big problem the past decade. But obviously our defence last season was highly flawed and it seems that we've improved that quite abit with the stay-at-home boys on the backend (if they pan out)
IMHO Nik Kulemin is one of the most complete players the Leafs ever drafted.
Hes good on the PK good on the powerplay he is smart he is fast he has soft hands.
I think he is good at everything not Ovechkin good but still good enough. Scorer but not a flashy scorer. I like his smarts the best.
IMHO Nik Kulemin is one of the most complete players the Leafs ever drafted.
Hes good on the PK good on the powerplay he is smart he is fast he has soft hands.
I think he is good at everything not Ovechkin good but still good enough. Scorer but not a flashy scorer. I like his smarts the best.
Hey, I'll take that as a 2nd round pick ANYday. It's thought he was a total steal at that spot, maybe even steal of the draft. Maybe it was due to his nationality and the whole KHL thing? I just hope he doesn't get injured and have his potential seriously impeded like Antro did
I very much disagree. You'll find that most "scouting reports" were written or posted around the time he was drafted. In his draft year he posted 5 goals and 13 points (still earning ROTY honours, mind you).
The only hype around him before and after his draft was a couple of standout goals at the 2006 U20's in Vancouver. He then proceeded to EXPLODE onto the scene after posting 37 goals the year after, leading his team to a RSL Championship win, and winning a handful of awards in the process. He signs with Toronto, stays in the RSL for another year and posts another 20+ goal season.
I know it's not fair to compare stats, but take a guy like Ilya Kovalchuk. In 2004/05 (lockout year), he went back to the RSL to play as a 21 year old. As pure a goal scorer as they come, he couldn't manage to break the 20 goal mark. Kulemin played this past year as a 21 year old, and he managed 23 goals. (Nevermind 37 as a 20 year old...)
We all know that stats rarely tell the whole picture, and that tons of highly touted players from every country have gone on to be total let downs. But IMO, Nikolai Kulemin will be different.
And that is because of the way this kid plays the game. He's as competitive as they come, completely re-writes the book on the "typical russian." Hardly one to back down from physical play, he enjoys very much to be the aggressor. I believe it was his second or third game of this past playoffs, he was involved in a scrum in front of the net with russian defender Denis Grot. After a spear and a highstick to Kulemin on the play, you could see in each shift just how more he was getting into the game. He followed that up with ringing it off the bar, and 3 huge open ice hits in about 4 or 5 shifts. Unfortunately, he got a little too into the game and ended up boarding Denis Grot, injuring him on the play and earning a suspension.
The scouting reports are somewhat accurate, in that he could develop into a solid 3rd line grinder. He owns the work ethic, determination, physicality (ability to dish out and receive hits), and defensive ability to be a mainstay on many 3rd lines around the league. But what separates him from the typical 3rd line player is simply his combination of speed, strength, and skill. He's as fast as they come, and he can get to that speed in only 2 or 3 strides. He's very solid on his skates as well, can take out punishment in front of the net and if he gets inside position on you it's VERY hard to prevent him from going to the net. Simply put, he's like a bull in a china shop. His finishing skills are off the charts as well, he won't lead the Leafs in assists but he'll be damn close in goals. It's for this reason that I think pairing him with one Alex Steen might make for a smart move come September.
While I do believe Alex is underrated as a goal scorer, and that he's yet to really find his true potential, IMO his real calling card is his playmaking ability. He's got a great eye for finding teammates around him and the smarts to make the appropriate play. This mixed with his creativity would make Kulemin-Steen a deadly duo.
You can have your beliefs on how he may turn out, I have my own. In my opinion, it's not so much the stat line that will determine how impressed I am, but more the impact he can bring to the game every night. There's more to hockey than goals and assists. I feel obligated to say though, that not only Maple Leaf fans, but posters from Russia on this very board believe that he's not only capable of potting 30 goals next season, but is a virtual lock to do so.
Edit; and for those who want to bring up the "man you have never seen him play a full game" argument, well I have... the 2006 U20's, the 2007 WC, the odd game from the 2007 RSL Playoffs, 10-12 games from the 2007/08 RSL Regular Season, and I only missed 2 or 3 games from the 2008 RSL Playoffs.
I very much disagree. You'll find that most "scouting reports" were written or posted around the time he was drafted. In his draft year he posted 5 goals and 13 points (still earning ROTY honours, mind you).
The only hype around him before and after his draft was a couple of standout goals at the 2006 U20's in Vancouver. He then proceeded to EXPLODE onto the scene after posting 37 goals the year after, leading his team to a RSL Championship win, and winning a handful of awards in the process. He signs with Toronto, stays in the RSL for another year and posts another 20+ goal season.
I know it's not fair to compare stats, but take a guy like Ilya Kovalchuk. In 2004/05 (lockout year), he went back to the RSL to play as a 21 year old. As pure a goal scorer as they come, he couldn't manage to break the 20 goal mark. Kulemin played this past year as a 21 year old, and he managed 23 goals. (Nevermind 37 as a 20 year old...)
We all know that stats rarely tell the whole picture, and that tons of highly touted players from every country have gone on to be total let downs. But IMO, Nikolai Kulemin will be different.
And that is because of the way this kid plays the game. He's as competitive as they come, completely re-writes the book on the "typical russian." Hardly one to back down from physical play, he enjoys very much to be the aggressor. I believe it was his second or third game of this past playoffs, he was involved in a scrum in front of the net with russian defender Denis Grot. After a spear and a highstick to Kulemin on the play, you could see in each shift just how more he was getting into the game. He followed that up with ringing it off the bar, and 3 huge open ice hits in about 4 or 5 shifts. Unfortunately, he got a little too into the game and ended up boarding Denis Grot, injuring him on the play and earning a suspension.
The scouting reports are somewhat accurate, in that he could develop into a solid 3rd line grinder. He owns the work ethic, determination, physicality (ability to dish out and receive hits), and defensive ability to be a mainstay on many 3rd lines around the league. But what separates him from the typical 3rd line player is simply his combination of speed, strength, and skill. He's as fast as they come, and he can get to that speed in only 2 or 3 strides. He's very solid on his skates as well, can take out punishment in front of the net and if he gets inside position on you it's VERY hard to prevent him from going to the net. Simply put, he's like a bull in a china shop. His finishing skills are off the charts as well, he won't lead the Leafs in assists but he'll be damn close in goals. It's for this reason that I think pairing him with one Alex Steen might make for a smart move come September.
While I do believe Alex is underrated as a goal scorer, and that he's yet to really find his true potential, IMO his real calling card is his playmaking ability. He's got a great eye for finding teammates around him and the smarts to make the appropriate play. This mixed with his creativity would make Kulemin-Steen a deadly duo.
You can have your beliefs on how he may turn out, I have my own. In my opinion, it's not so much the stat line that will determine how impressed I am, but more the impact he can bring to the game every night. There's more to hockey than goals and assists. I feel obligated to say though, that not only Maple Leaf fans, but posters from Russia on this very board believe that he's not only capable of potting 30 goals next season, but is a virtual lock to do so.
Edit; and for those who want to bring up the "man you have never seen him play a full game" argument, well I have... the 2006 U20's, the 2007 WC, the odd game from the 2007 RSL Playoffs, 10-12 games from the 2007/08 RSL Regular Season, and I only missed 2 or 3 games from the 2008 RSL Playoffs.
"You can have your beliefs on how he may turn out, I have my own. In my opinion, it's not so much the stat line that will determine how impressed I am, but more the impact he can bring to the game every night. There's more to hockey than goals and assists. I feel obligated to say though, that not only Maple Leaf fans, but posters from Russia on this very board believe that he's not only capable of potting 30 goals next season, but is a virtual lock to do so."
I never stated an actual opinion on him, let alone that he's just a grinding 3rd liner. I stated what I've read on a few sites and made it quite clear that I don't know about him, hence why I was asking in this thread. I was not knocking him at all.... so you're disagreeing with yourself lol
Nonetheless, good points you conveyed from what you've seen and I'm excited for the guy. But, it's pretty bold of you to predict he's a lock for 30, we don't even know if he'll be put on the top line and I'm sure there will be atleast a slight adjustment period. Let's hope so
I agree with you on Alex Steen. Thank God we dont have PM around to turn Nik into a pker. PM messed up Steen. Steener had so much offensive creativity when he came over but under PM after PM saw how smart he was on the pk he was turned into a grinder and lost his offensive confidence.
I really do hope Wilson is smarter. Because Nik is very good on the pk too.
Kulemin was a steal.
Last edited by Homer J. Leafs: 07-05-2008 at 04:18 AM.
Reason: No Finger for you! and yeah Dean Winchester rulz!!!
I agree with you on Alex Steen. Thank God we dont have PM around to turn Nik into a pker. PM messed up Steen. Steener had so much offensive creativity when he came over but under PM after PM saw how smart he was on the pk he was turned into a grinder and lost his offensive confidence.
I really do hope Wilson is smarter. Because Nik is very good on the pk too.
Kulemin was a steal.
I agree with Steen too.... Steen-Grabby-Kulemin would be nice
"You can have your beliefs on how he may turn out, I have my own. In my opinion, it's not so much the stat line that will determine how impressed I am, but more the impact he can bring to the game every night. There's more to hockey than goals and assists. I feel obligated to say though, that not only Maple Leaf fans, but posters from Russia on this very board believe that he's not only capable of potting 30 goals next season, but is a virtual lock to do so."
I never stated an actual opinion on him, let alone that he's just a grinding 3rd liner. I stated what I've read on a few sites and made it quite clear that I don't know about him, hence why I was asking in this thread. I was not knocking him at all.... so you're disagreeing with yourself lol
Nonetheless, good points you conveyed from what you've seen and I'm excited for the guy. But, it's pretty bold of you to predict he's a lock for 30, we don't even know if he'll be put on the top line and I'm sure there will be atleast a slight adjustment period. Let's hope so
I'm not saying I think he will score 30, I'm just stating what others have said.
I agree with you on Alex Steen. Thank God we dont have PM around to turn Nik into a pker. PM messed up Steen. Steener had so much offensive creativity when he came over but under PM after PM saw how smart he was on the pk he was turned into a grinder and lost his offensive confidence.
I really do hope Wilson is smarter. Because Nik is very good on the pk too.
Kulemin was a steal.
I agree with Steen too.... Steen-Grabby-Kulemin would be nice
From the sounds and looks from highlights, no, I'd say he's quite a bit more offensively skilled, maybe less gritty (less willing to fight) than D Brown. But I do really like D Brown, wish the Leafs had him instead of the old man Mayers.
From the sounds and looks from highlights, no, I'd say he's quite a bit more offensively skilled, maybe less gritty (less willing to fight) than D Brown. But I do really like D Brown, wish the Leafs had him instead of the old man Mayers.
Im not sure about that. Dustin Brown scored 33 goals this season and it was only his 3rd full season in the league.
Im not sure about that. Dustin Brown scored 33 goals this season and it was only his 3rd full season in the league.
Hmm, I really didn't even know that. Wow, amazing player he should be. Especially considering the Kings are very young. I love their team tbh, Kopitar and Bernier are exciting prospects. And Dustin Brown looks even better to me than he did before, I knew he scored a bunch, but didn't realize it was that much.
What's up ppl... I was just reading up on his scouting report and projections on a few sites and they seem to project him as a marginal 2nd liner in the future and more of a checker than scorer. Obviously not having seen him play in N.A. I don't know how to take these, anyone heard different? I know he's very highly touted, but we need him to score, I'm just not sure if he's going to be that type.... time will tell I suppose.
Any thoughts/opinions from what you've heard...?
Some of those reports are quite aged in body, and have had updates written to them, but the core was written before his break-out season in the RSL.
I read most of the articles before his MVP season, so a more accurate description has come from King, who coached him.
Steen needs to improve his body condition, but I wouldn't be surprised if he carries out his performance in the last 20 games the past season (virtually a PPG player) into next season, and have himself a 60 point - breakout year.
As for Kulemin, we are just going to have to wait until November, and see how he does in the NHL.
