Call it a (CBA) Year: Kulikov to remain with Florida Panthers
by Donny Rivette on Oct 27, 2009 5:52 PM EDT
4 comments
The fourteenth-overall pick in '09, Cats defenseman Dmitry Kulikov - staring at a firm collective bargaining agreement rule regarding initial contracts with rookies - will be staying in Sunrise for the remainder of the 2009-10 season.
At least as far as his entry-level contract reads. Whether he rockets up the ranks in the NHL Calder race, or finds himself back with Drummondville of the QMJHL, he'll officially have "burned" the first year of his deal with the Cats when he steps on BAC ice tomorrow against the Senators.
For the player, it's a terrific arrangement: no matter what happens, he's that much closer to restricted free agency. The club? No loss if the guy ultimately busts within those three years of the initial league contract, but in the event he blossoms, he's that much closer to restricted free agency.
And I'm predicting RFA-raiding madness in the next couple of seasons.
Anyway, as a Florida fan how can I be anything but thrilled the almost-19 year-old (October 29th) will stay with the big boys? His numbers are not quite rookie-of-the-year caliber, but on a bad team he's been steady, mature, and a bright spot without equal yet found on the roster.
GM Randy Sexton really had this situation settled after the exhibition season, based upon Kulikov's play, but he won't completely admit to it:
"A lot of different things gave me some comfort that this wasn't a nine-game honeymoon, that he could actually do it."
Whatever the reasoning behind the decision, Panthers fans have something to cheer about.
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I understand both sides of this argument (sending him down vs. keeping up), but I am happy we decided to keep him up here. He’s a good defenseman, and he will do well here. I’m eager to see how well he progresses as the season gets rolling.
by VanMurph on Oct 27, 2009 6:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As are we all, VM…it’s a positive that he’s managed to fly under the radar in what has so far been a forgettable opening to the year.
Seems a lot more to like than with our last example of the Perfect Defenseman in his youth.
by Donny Rivette on Oct 27, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think its just a sign of the times. Kulikov, the 18 year old rookie, has been a bright spot on the Panthers blue line. No wonder we give up 4 goals a game…
As far as the decision goes to keep him up… at this point, why not? It’ll be better for him in the long run getting his feet wet against NHL calibre players from the beginning (I think).
by Karl Selvig on Oct 27, 2009 8:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I like the kid. I think he’s good and has the potential to be great. I was very excited when the Panthers drafted him. I’d read up on him before the draft and I couldn’t believe he kept getting passed up. That said, I think this is a bit of a desperation move and a pretty clear message that the coaching staff isn’t happy with Koistenen. The guy hasn’t been on defense in the regular season yet. He only played one shift after Dvorak was hurt in the game Saturday. When you’re two guys down and there’s a guy sitting on the bench, it sends a message. Not only that, they’re keeping this guy up from juniors to play instead of him. And calling another guy up from the AHL when Allen sits. I don’t expect him to last much longer. If Repik is really impressive in this stint, we may see Koistenen go.
And Kulikov has been good, but I worry for his development (and health) should this season continue as it’s started.
Florida Panthers: Giving the league a punching bag since 2000.
by Johnny B on Oct 28, 2009 8:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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