Toronto Maple Leafs Player Spotlight-Nikolai Kulemin

The Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to start one of their brightest young prospects in the upcoming season. That player is Nikolai Kulemin , and after some solid seasons in the Russian Super League, he has reportedly been promised a spot in the Maple Leafs lineup for 2008-09. Recently, it seems that young Russian forwards have been all the rage in the NHL. Players like Ovechkin, Malkin, and Kovalchuk have dazzled crowds with their speed, skill, and goal scoring ability. The excitement surrounding these players has helped to revitalize the league's fanbase. This year, fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs will have the chance to watch a Russian superstar of their own. While it would be premature to compare Nikolai Kulemin to the previously mentioned players, he certainly has an impressive resume that could give Maple Leafs fans a reason to get excited.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be hoping that Kulemin can transfer his impressive showing in Russia to the NHL. Here are his numbers for his last two seasons playing for Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the RSL:

2006-07: 27 goals and 39 points in 54 games played.
2007-08: 21 goals and 33 points in 57 games played.

Looking at these stats, it is clear that Kulemin is a talented goal scorer. While the Toronto Maple Leafs coaching staff will have to work to improve his playmaking ability, I think Maple Leafs fans can probably expect to see a 20+ goal season from the young Russian. While critics may say this is an unlikely total for a player's first season in the NHL, I dont see it as out of the question for Kulemin. For one, he will be playing more games, and the RSL is no junior league. It is professional level, and while the talent might not be as high as in the NHL, it certainly gives Kulemin a definite edge on other rookies in terms of experience. If he is able to net over 20 goals for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kulemin could potentially be a candidate for the Calder Trophy as well.

Maple Leafs Can Also Expect Physical Play

Another thing worth mentioning, is that the Toronto Maple Leafs can expect Kulemin to bring an element of physical play, along with his sniper skills with the puck. Some Russian players have been criticized for an unwillingness to hit. Maple Leafs fans can rest assured knowing this will probably not be the case with Kulemin. Scouts have indicated that he plays tough along the boards, and will take any oppurtunity to throw a big hit. Several videos on YouTube showing Kulemin flattening opposing players would seem to back this up.

Aside from physical play, scouts have also noted Kulemin's strong work ethic, as well as his above average speed. All of these attributes will make Kulemin a solid all-around player, and his time spent in the RSL gives him the experience needed to adjust to the NHL level. He should be a perfect compliment to a Maple Leafs roster that will be younger and faster than in previous seasons.

Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have joined the trend of importing young Russian superstars, look for Nikolai Kulemin to be the player to watch in the Maple Leafs 2008-09 season.