moon111 said:
I can't fathom why Kulemin would want to return to Toronto next season. Unless he likes the city. But Kulemin-Malkin or Kulemin-Grabovski-Ovechkin sound awful nice, and an UFA bidding war might feel allot better in the pocket book as well. No Carlyle might be another selling feature to get out of town. If I did everything that was asked of me, got $2,800,000/season... then saw David Clarkson come in for $5 million? I'd be pissed. And I'd ask for just as much from the Leafs if I were him.
It is very difficult to fathom what Kuli actually thinks with regards to his upcoming contract negotiations. He hardly says anything. However, he has never said (even in Russia) anything negative on his being a Leaf, playing in Toronto, or playing for Carlyle. He is a calm guy and does not appear to be sort of Russian-like greedy going after money. I for one believe Carlyle likes him. I do not recall Carlyle criticizing Kulemin just once. He trust him a lot, rewards him with lots of ice-time. I believe it will all come down to Kulemin?s desire to stick with the role he was given in Toronto or rather try to reignite his offensive potential somewhere else. He seems to be quite a conservative guy, both his children were born here, he is familiar with everything, so his departure after this season may not be such a sure thing. Or is it just my wishfull thinking?
