Summertime for hockey means free agency, NHL Awards, and the NHL Draft, my personal favorite being the draft. One player I have had my eye on is Dmitry Kulikov. Kulikov is a defenseman for the Drummondville Voltigeurs who is eligible for this year’s draft, and he could be on his way to winning the one thing all Junior players dream of, the Memorial Cup.
With drafting foreign players the language barrier can come into effect. Communication on the ice is not only important for team chemistry, but for making plays. At Kulikov’s young age, he already speaks English very well.
Considering this is his first year playing hockey in North America, Kulikov was extremely impressive. This eighteen year old Russian has put up numbers unexpected for a blue liner. Not only is Kulikov great defensively, but offensively he contributes more than a coach could ask for. During the 2008-2009 season, he averaged at least one point per game, ending the season with 62 points in 57 games. He has done the same so far throughout this year’s playoffs, putting up 20 points in only 19 games.
Kulikov is a key component for the Voltigeurs power play too. Both goals he has scored on this playoff run for the Memorial Cup have been on the power play. His hard, left handed shot is good for finding the tape of a teammate’s stick and more importantly, the back of the net. Earlier in May, Kulikov won three awards for his play this season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He won the Emile Bouchard Trophy which is awarded to the best defenseman, the Mike Bossy Award being the best pro prospect, and the RDS Cup for being rookie of the year.
In my opinion, he would be a good prospect for the Boston Bruins or Montreal Canadiens. For the Bruins, he would add to the shortage of left handed shooters they have and his hard hitting style of play would fit well with Boston. As for Montreal, he could tighten up their defensive unit. Either of these teams would most likely be the best fit for Kulikov.
Kulikov and his teammates are heading to the semifinals of the Mastercard Memorial Cup. The Voltigeurs have a good shot at winning with the hardworking team that they have. If Kulikov were to be drafted this summer, the team would be sure to miss his presence on the ice, but I’d say he’s definitely ready for a shot at the NHL.
With drafting foreign players the language barrier can come into effect. Communication on the ice is not only important for team chemistry, but for making plays. At Kulikov’s young age, he already speaks English very well.
Considering this is his first year playing hockey in North America, Kulikov was extremely impressive. This eighteen year old Russian has put up numbers unexpected for a blue liner. Not only is Kulikov great defensively, but offensively he contributes more than a coach could ask for. During the 2008-2009 season, he averaged at least one point per game, ending the season with 62 points in 57 games. He has done the same so far throughout this year’s playoffs, putting up 20 points in only 19 games.
Kulikov is a key component for the Voltigeurs power play too. Both goals he has scored on this playoff run for the Memorial Cup have been on the power play. His hard, left handed shot is good for finding the tape of a teammate’s stick and more importantly, the back of the net. Earlier in May, Kulikov won three awards for his play this season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He won the Emile Bouchard Trophy which is awarded to the best defenseman, the Mike Bossy Award being the best pro prospect, and the RDS Cup for being rookie of the year.
In my opinion, he would be a good prospect for the Boston Bruins or Montreal Canadiens. For the Bruins, he would add to the shortage of left handed shooters they have and his hard hitting style of play would fit well with Boston. As for Montreal, he could tighten up their defensive unit. Either of these teams would most likely be the best fit for Kulikov.
Kulikov and his teammates are heading to the semifinals of the Mastercard Memorial Cup. The Voltigeurs have a good shot at winning with the hardworking team that they have. If Kulikov were to be drafted this summer, the team would be sure to miss his presence on the ice, but I’d say he’s definitely ready for a shot at the NHL.
5 comments:
This was a very good write, Hailey... no stumbles, no stops, tight and right! Well done.
AmandaLyn
thankyou :)so have you been learning more about hockey?
I am. I have a very good teacher!
AmandaLyn
Errr if I may.... Kulikov would not tighten up our D. He would BE are D along with Markov *G* the Habs really need to draft a good defenseman this year. Preferably Kulikov =)
lol, true. But the Canadiens have SOME D. Markok & Komisarek. If i had to choose though, I would have Kulikov be drafted by the Bruins, of course :) Me and you will probably fight over him come draft day
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