Leafs file for arbitration with Kulemin (Settlement reached, 2 years, 2.8 AAV)

[CarltonTheBear]

Before heading to Europe for a vacation, winger Nikolai Kulemin made it very clear to his agent that he wants to remain a Toronto Maple Leaf.

That?s the most likely outcome for the left winger. The Maple Leafs have filed for arbitration with Kulemin, a restricted free agent. The Leafs did not file with defenceman Cody Franson, the team?s other significant restricted free agent.

Arbitration hearings will be held in Toronto from July 20 to Aug. 4.

Kulemin?s agent, Gary Greenstin, has had one negotiating session with the Leafs since the season ended.

?Kulemin loves the city and loves the organization a lot and would like to stay in Toronto,? said Greenstin. ?But not everything is in my, and Kulemin?s, hands.

?I believe the Leafs like him, but now it?s strictly business.?

http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/article/1223946--maple-leafs-nikolai-kulemin-hopes-to-re-sign

I can't imagine these contract negotiations getting too difficult. Both sides would be best off agreeing to a 1-year deal worth around what he made last season.

 

[dappleganger]

2 years at 3 mil per year. We underpaid for his 30 goal season and overpaid last year slightly.

But c'mon, we were paying Colby 3 mil and Kuly is much better.

 

[maplesyrup]

I think 2.75 is a good place to set the over/under.... Could be wrong.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

Yeah, I'm surprised this didn't get done already. I agree that it should be a short term deal, preferably 2, but I'd settle for 1 and renegotiate next season.

 

[bustaheims]

Like most of us, I doubt this makes it to a hearing. This is more about the Leafs protecting themselves from some team coming in with an offer sheet Kulemin could not refuse but at a level where the return wouldn't have been worth it.

 

[maplesyrup]

Yeah, I bet they come to terms before the hearing.

 

[Champ Kind]

Like most of us, I doubt this makes it to a hearing. This is more about the Leafs protecting themselves from some team coming in with an offer sheet Kulemin could not refuse but at a level where the return wouldn't have been worth it.

Bang on assessment, Busta.  Given that logic, what does it say about Franson?  I'd say he's definitely available.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Like most of us, I doubt this makes it to a hearing. This is more about the Leafs protecting themselves from some team coming in with an offer sheet Kulemin could not refuse but at a level where the return wouldn't have been worth it.

Bang on assessment, Busta.  Given that logic, what does it say about Franson?  I'd say he's definitely available.

One thing that will need to be straightened out before the start of the season is his contract status. The 24-year-old is a restricted free agent but he doesn?t plan to go anywhere and it sounds like a new deal is already in the works.

?I love it here in Toronto and we?re in the process of doing something right now,? he said.

http://blog.mapleleafs.com/a-busy-offseason-for-franson/

 

[bustaheims]

Bang on assessment, Busta.  Given that logic, what does it say about Franson?  I'd say he's definitely available.

That the team doesn't feel he's as big a risk to be offered a can't refuse type offer sheet that's out of line with what they'd pay him or be willing to accept as compensation for him?

 

[bustaheims]

Kulemin's hearing is set for July 26th.

 

[moon111]

I could imagine Burke thinking Kulemin cost him Schenn.  His play last season left a gap on the top-6 that needed to be fulfilled.

 

[drummond]

I could imagine Burke thinking Kulemin cost him Schenn.  His play last season left a gap on the top-6 that needed to be fulfilled.

One of the D had to go anyway to make a room for Holzer

 

[bustaheims]

I could imagine Burke thinking Kulemin cost him Schenn.  His play last season left a gap on the top-6 that needed to be fulfilled.

The only player that cost Burke Schenn was JvR. Trading him was a choice. Needing help in the top 6 didn't mean Burke had to trade Schenn.

 

[AvroArrow]

Perhaps a mod can rename the thread?

@DarrenDreger: Following up on @FriedgeHNIC. Kulemin settles on 2 year deal with Leafs.

Reportedly 5.6M total.

 

[Kin]

Seems fair.

 

[Champ Kind]

I do think Kulemin will rebound and that $2.8 / year will look even better a year from now.

 

[L K]

2.8 based on last season isn't great.  He was good defensively but his offense dried up.  But based on his ability and where he should hopefully rebound to, that could be a steal for two years.

 

[drummond]

good deal

 

[iwas11in67]

I think 2.75 is a good place to set the over/under.... Could be wrong.

Were you in the negotiating room?

 

[sampson]

Very happy he's back for 2 more. This is great