[Rumour] Dean Molberg: Flames would covet Dmitry Kulikov

[sureLoss]

in his conversation with Friedman, Boomer said that he hadn't heard any rumors that Kulikov would come to Calgary, but had heard that the Flames would covet Kulikov

Friedman responded by essentially saying he doesn't think Kulikov would be a bad fit for the Flames.

Kulikov is UFA after this season, and has reportedly been made available by the Sabres

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

in his conversation with Friedman, Boomer said that he hadn't heard any rumors that Kulikov would come to Calgary, but had heard that the Flames would covet Kulikov

Friedman responded by essentially saying he doesn't think Kulikov would be a bad fit for the Flames.

Kulikov is UFA after this season, and has reportedly been made available by the Sabres

Why not? I wouldn't mind seeing him in a Flames jersey.

[Racki]

What happens to Brodie then? Gulutzan would be stuck with 3 lefties in the top 4. Somebody might have to play the wrong side.

Either way, he's not someone I'd be too interested in this year or next. Give me Franson, Alzner or Stone anyday.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Ok, I've watched him a lot in Florida. He's always had talent, but thinking the game well at the NHL level has been a work in progress over his career.

His offensive talent seems to be diminishing some in favor of playing a more solid overall defensive game. He will throw the odd big hit, and he can win plenty of battles in his own zone with smart zone exits. He's quick enough for the modern NHL, and he has enough puck skills to make a play when he needs to. Don't confuse him for an offensive defenseman though.

My one problem with him has been picking his spots to pinch or make a risky play. Most of the time he's fine, but once a game (maybe a little less) he'll make a high risk play that's not necessary, and you just go "Why?".

He's still very young for a defenseman, so he could be a long term option as a 2nd pair d-man, but he's going to want a pay raise. However, since his offensive numbers have declined, I think he's going to get a rate similar to what he's making now at $4.3 million. I could see him getting around $4.75 on a multi-year deal.

As a rental, he'd be a great fit for the Flames. He can be the defensive partner to Brodie, but he has enough skill to complement his style of play. He's a left-handed shot, which would likely push Brodie back over to the right side (I personally don't care which side Brodie plays, but everyone who wants him on the right would get their way). It would also push Wideman down (or out of the lineup) where he would be more successful. The other option would be Engelland with Brodie and Wideman with Kulikov on the 3rd pair.

The only thing that would make me shy away is the asking price from Buffalo. They gave up a quality d-man in Pysyk to get Kulikov, so they'll want a player close to the NHL in return.

[Since1984]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Ok, I've watched him a lot in Florida. He's always had talent, but thinking the game well at the NHL level has been a work in progress over his career.

His offensive talent seems to be diminishing some in favor of playing a more solid overall defensive game. He will throw the odd big hit, and he can win plenty of battles in his own zone with smart zone exits. He's quick enough for the modern NHL, and he has enough puck skills to make a play when he needs to. Don't confuse him for an offensive defenseman though.

My one problem with him has been picking his spots to pinch or make a risky play. Most of the time he's fine, but once a game (maybe a little less) he'll make a high risk play that's not necessary, and you just go "Why?".

He's still very young for a defenseman, so he could be a long term option as a 2nd pair d-man, but he's going to want a pay raise. However, since his offensive numbers have declined, I think he's going to get a rate similar to what he's making now at $4.3 million. I could see him getting around $4.75 on a multi-year deal.

As a rental, he'd be a great fit for the Flames. He can be the defensive partner to Brodie, but he has enough skill to complement his style of play. He's a left-handed shot, which would likely push Brodie back over to the right side (I personally don't care which side Brodie plays, but everyone who wants him on the right would get their way). It would also push Wideman down (or out of the lineup) where he would be more successful. The other option would be Engelland with Brodie and Wideman with Kulikov on the 3rd pair.

The only thing that would make me shy away is the asking price from Buffalo. They gave up a quality d-man in Pysyk to get Kulikov, so they'll want a player close to the NHL in return.

Wotherspoon for Kulikov? Does either team do it?

[bax]

Originally Posted by Since1984

Wotherspoon for Kulikov? Does either team do it?

We do in a heartbeat. Buffalo hangs up the phone.

[Har-Calgary]

Originally Posted by bax

We do in a heartbeat. Buffalo hangs up the phone.

Yup! They would probably want Kylington or Rasmus, and then we would hang up the phone. Kulikov did have a pretty good season in Florida when they won the division, even the year before. On paper it looked good and from what I remember he seemed to be playing like a stud, but it was nice to get Cali's assesment.

[Husky]

Could be a low buy and low sell for each team. Kulikov for poirier.

[Demaeon]

What's a comparable rental return from previous years?

Larsen for a 5th or Gelinas for a 3rd from last year maybe? Schultz?

I'm asking because I don't know, not because I think they are.

[Vinny01]

If we could add Kulikov for something like a 2nd and a prospect then flip Engellend for a 2nd I would be okay with that.

I just can't see any team taking Wideman who would be my preferred player to move

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by Husky

Could be a low buy and low sell for each team. Kulikov for poirier.

Being a UFA, I'd want to know if he'd resign first before that deal is made. Otherwise it seems fair to me.

[bax]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Being a UFA, I'd want to know if he'd resign first before that deal is made. Otherwise it seems fair to me.

How is that a fair deal? Kulikov is a legitimate NHL defenseman. Poirer is a mediocre AHL player. It's unlikely he ever makes the NHL the way he has trended.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by Husky

Could be a low buy and low sell for each team. Kulikov for poirier.

Poirier is near bust territory and has zero value. The sooner we realize this the better we will feel about ourselves.

[Toonage]

Buffalo would probably want a 2nd or 3rd. They won't want our expiring contracts/UFA/ELC on last year. And then Calgary has to decide if they want to spend that on what would essentially be a rental.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Buffalo would probably want a 2nd or 3rd. They won't want our expiring contracts/UFA/ELC on last year. And then Calgary has to decide if they want to spend that on what would essentially be a rental.

Pretty much my thought as well. Wotherspoon or Poirier would be pretty much a throw-in to complete the trade.

[Ashasx]

nm

[Bourque's Twin]

The Flames can't spend a lot trading for Kulikov because he won't be protected in the upcoming Expansion Draft. If the Flames protect 8F/D instead of 7F/3D they have to expose 1 of the following 3: Bennett, Backlund, Frolik. Not happening.

If the Flames traded Jokipakka/Wotherspoon + a 4th Rounder then it could be worth the risk of exposing Kulikov in the Expansion Draft.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Bourque's Twin

The Flames can't spend a lot trading for Kulikov because he won't be protected in the upcoming Expansion Draft. If the Flames protect 8F/D instead of 7F/3D they have to expose 1 of the following 3: Bennett, Backlund, Frolik. Not happening.

If the Flames traded Jokipakka/Wotherspoon + a 4th Rounder then it could be worth the risk of exposing Kulikov in the Expansion Draft.

He's going to be UFA, so unless it's a sign and trade, that doesn't matter. The Flames might still pursue him in UFA period following the expansion draft.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Originally Posted by Bourque's Twin

The Flames can't spend a lot trading for Kulikov because he won't be protected in the upcoming Expansion Draft. If the Flames protect 8F/D instead of 7F/3D they have to expose 1 of the following 3: Bennett, Backlund, Frolik. Not happening.

If the Flames traded Jokipakka/Wotherspoon + a 4th Rounder then it could be worth the risk of exposing Kulikov in the Expansion Draft.

He is a UFA, so no need to protect, but also no guarantee he stays with the Flames (or any team) after this year.

Very interesting year, as I think only true rentals will move (UFA's), unless a team has a clear protected spot for a guy with term (Flames do not). I wonder if that means UFA's will be more expensive, based on the supply/demand.

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by bax

How is that a fair deal? Kulikov is a legitimate NHL defenseman. Poirer is a mediocre AHL player. It's unlikely he ever makes the NHL the way he has trended.

I know, I keep thinking Poirier might pan out...