Every time i make a post about this guy it upsets me that nothing has changed. To me he's our best defensive forward. He also used to be turning into one of our best scorers. I cited his timid play style with the puck numerous times in the past and nothing has changed.
He just looks scared to have the puck. He didn't before. He's great at retrieving the puck, but when he gets it, it's like he doesnt want it. I think alot of it is to do with himself personally, as IN MY OPINION, once he was given a defensive role on the team he just completely gave up on scoring/felt as if nobody saw him as a scoring forward. Now he's just a puck bobbling mess when he has the puck, no confidence.
The times he does shoot, it's one of the best shots on the team outside of only Kessel. I'd love him to re-sign here, but not because it's the best thing for him as i think he will change as a player if he leaves and score 20+ goals again, but because how bad the Leafs need him. When/if he's gone, we'll notice just how awful our forwards are when they dont score.
I hate the fact that he's always the odd one out when it comes to giving players a chance to succeed offensively. Just like Grabo. Except Kulemin is great defensively. I think thats the downfall. they NEED Kulemin to play defensive minutes because nobody else can