Russian two-way forward Nikolai Kulemin is what I like to call an enigma. Some nights the man is just a beast at both ends of the ice; at other times, he's invisible.
This past season where he only potted seven goals, Kulemin was invisible 99 percent of the time with the Leafs. However, another strong showing thus far in the KHL with 34 points in as many games with Magnitogorsk Metallurg has NHL teams talking trade with the Leafs.
Kulemin owns a pretty reasonable contract for the eventual new CBA, and he's still young with some potential.
The Edmonton Oilers apparently still see some potential in Kulemin, as according to Jeff Marek of Rogers Sportsnet, the Oilers are looking to pair Nail Yakupov, the club's first overall selection of this past draft, with another Russian player to help ease Yakupov's transition to the NHL.
Given the way that Kulemin plays responsibly in both ends of the ice, as well as his ability to score 20 goals a season, the Leafs won't be giving him away for nothing.
The Oilers won't be giving away their generational talents like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Yakupov, Taylor Hall or Jordan Eberle, appear more likel ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Brad LeClair
Leafs Rumors: Nikolai Kulemin Drawing Interest from the Edmonton Oilers
January 4th, 2013 by Brad LeClair Leave a reply »
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