Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
Would Kulikov be an option as the #4 guy in Calgary?
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He's an upgrade on Wideman, that's for sure.
Kulikov is a solid option on any team's 2nd pair. He has some offensive abilities (although they've all but disappeared this year), he can skate decently, he's physical enough when he needs to be, and there are times where he can be a positive difference maker in the game.
However...even though he's just 26, after all his years in the NHL (8) he still makes questionable decisions when reading the play, leading to odd-man rushes the other way. He's improved on this problem over the years, but it still happens often enough to be noticeable.
He's making $4.5 M this year and is reportedly looking for a raise, so at least $5 M to start in free agency negotiations.
So he would basically be a younger, faster Wideman.