PTO: [OTT] F Nikolay Kulemin signs PTO with the Senators

[The Devilish Buffoon]

Poulin was VP in Toronto when Kuli played there; he is a total pro with a lot to teach. I believe this is probably a tryout for an AHL deal, where Kulemin might take on a player-coach role.

Regardless, I am thrilled to see him get a chance again on NHL ice, even if there is no real consideration being given to him as a legitimate option

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Haven't heard that name in awhile

I think you're thinking of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

 

[LeafalCrusader]

 

[Bleedred]

You gotta be Jokinen

What? Now Jokinen is getting a PTO next?

Which one? Olli or Jussi?

 

[Senscore]

you actually like Fellini?

sure why not

 

[Arthur Morgan]

wtf....... guy is like 40 now and hasnt played in 5 or 6 years in the NHL atleast lol

 

[Sergei Shirokov]

Cheering for him to pull it off, cool story

 

[banks]

I know there's like zero percent chance he gets an NHL offer.

But if there's a type of player that can make themselves useful way after their prime, Kulemin is that type of player. Low maintenance, and has their game based on calm smarts. Skill and speed players can't make a comeback years after the fact. Their tools degrade. But Kulemin had a simple game and knew where to stand on the ice. If I had to put a 38 year old on my team that hasn't played for 6 years? Kulemin is the guy.

 

[Half Clapper]

This pto is actually making me feel kind of young again for a change.

 

[Face Of Bear]

random as hell but love to see it

 

[Kevin27NYI]

I never understood why he didn’t get prime NHL offers after his Islander stint.

Terrific defensive, big body winger.

 

[Panteras]

The rebuild is complete

 

[Acallabeth]

The MacArthur, Grabovski, Kulemin line was so sick to watch in my teens.

"The new Legion of Doom", the Leafs fans called them.

 

[JianYang]

It's been that kind of day.

Aside from kulemin, I had no idea that goligoski, and staal were still active players up until today.

 

[Cams]

This could be more about getting Kulemin into Canada. I'm not sure he wants his children growing up in Russia the way it has been lately

It was 2018 that Kulemin was trying to Canadian citizenship - I believe him and his family wanted to settle in the GTA but there some issue with immigration. The Toronto Star reporting that or where it was reporting at the time.

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/court-gives-former-maple-leaf-nikolay-kulemin-second-chance-for-citizenship/article_07f9a6cb-f339-5f56-a912-6ee9182ac576.html

 

[TMLeafer]

Would be great to see him play again, if he's got anything left. Loved this guy's game early in his career.

 

[ACLEVERNAME]

Must have some history with Staios, no? Didn't play together on the Island but may have crossed paths somehow.

Wouldn't be suprised if this ended in a scouting/management role somehow

 

[wedge]

that's exactly the meme I had in mind. lol

 

[CanadienShark]

Isn't he like 80 years old now?

 

[HogTown06]

I remember him being fun to watch back in the day but he's probably in his 40s now. Hope he gets one last hurrah...

 

[REALTALK81]

Absolutely loved him when he was a Leaf. Would be cool to see him in an NHL game again.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

He apparently had a son playing triple A hockey in Toronto, so this might be him trying to get back, even if it's AHL.

 

[Zine]

IIRC, he likes living in Toronto.

He’s been steadily declining in the KHL, so he probably didn't receive any good offers.

If you’re gonna make Toronto your home, and you’re not getting what you want in the KHL, might as well try one last kick at the can in the NHL…. no matter how unlikely the odds are.

 

[SpezDispenser]

Must have some history with Staios, no? Didn't play together on the Island but may have crossed paths somehow.

Wouldn't be suprised if this ended in a scouting/management role somehow

That's what most of us are thinking.

 

[Spargon]

Assuming this is the typical vet signing to meet pre-season minimum requirements. Nonetheless, great to see him still going at his age (even though hes younger than me).