Player Discussion: Dimitry Kulikov, the Russian Rifle

[voyageur]

There is probably an existing thread about him, somewhere in the depths of our forum.

But what can you say about this guy?

Oft injured, we never saw his best game last year.

Started off as a healthy scratch, behind Morrow.

Now he is no longer a Stulikov but a force.

He makes a lot of strong defensive zone plays. Has shown the ability to lead the rush. The Jets are getting good value in this stretch for a free agent we sought out to be a piece of the puzzle in our defensive corps.

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[bumblebeeman]

Agreed he has looked really good lately!

 

[YWGinYYZ]

I've always liked Kuli and the overall game he plays. Thought it was a bit of a gamble to pick him up given the horrific injury he suffered in Buffalo, but if he can stay healthy going forward, he'll be a very strong piece of the backend for the Jets.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

There is probably an existing thread about him, somewhere in the depths of our forum.

But what can you say about this guy?

Oft injured, we never saw his best game last year.

Started off as a healthy scratch, behind Morrow.

Now he is no longer a Stulikov but a force.

He makes a lot of strong defensive zone plays. Has shown the ability to lead the rush. The Jets are getting good value in this stretch for a free agent we sought out to be a piece of the puzzle in our defensive corps.

Finally healthy. Hope it lasts.

If it does, I would keep him next year. Too soon to say beyond that. Too many variables.

 

[EpicGingy]

He was having a pretty good season up until his injury last year as well. Solid defensively, I hope we can re-sign him for a bit less after next year if he keeps this up and stays healthy.

I hope he actually gets to play in the playoffs this year as well.

 

[Jeti]

He was very underrated last year before his injury. Seems to me he's finally getting back to that form. It's funny how Kulikov came back and everyone started thinking Myers isn't a tire fire defensively all of a sudden - the truth is Kulikov is one of the better defenders on the Jets at disrupting the cycle and regaining the puck.

 

[Saintb]

I think he is a long term keeper depending on his health. I like watching him play.

 

[Gil Fisher]

Night and day difference from the start of the year.

 

[JetsUK]

He looked very good last year -- smart, solid, smooth-skating and generally unflustered defender with a good first pass and surprising physicality, and a perfect complement to Myers, since he fills in virtually all of Myers's flaws and lets him play as the incredibly tall roving winger he seems to think he is. If he can stay healthy he's a real stabilizing force on the back end and adds some relief for JMo.

 

[Trinity]

He's certainly increasing his trade value which is a great thing! Can Kuli play both RHD and LHD?

 

[10Ducky10]

Didn't Kuli play the right side last game?
I have probably been one of the hardest on Myers but he did start playing better a couple of games before Kuli was back.
Kuli does complement him well and adds a degree of defense to the Myers' pairing though. I would love to have a healthy Kuli for the playofffs. Keep him next year and give Samberg a year with the Moose and let Niku round out his game before he is called up permanently. A healthy Kuli goes a long way in the proper development of younger players. Now, if Chevy picked up Ryan Murray or a player like Muzzin, I might be inclined to trade him this summer.

 

[mazmin]

Agreed! Kuli has been good! Now that he's getting his timing back wait for the huge open ice hits he was once known for in FLA!

 

[Maukkis]

58.26 xGF% this season, according to Corsica. Leads the Jets in raw xGF%, second only to Copp in relative xGF%.

Definitely a positive sight to see, after all the injury problems he had. If he could stabilise the third pairing, that would be a pleasant surprise.

(disclaimer: ridiculously small sample size alert, but the goodwill lives on)

 

[Jet]

I've always liked Kulikov - that last game was his best as a Jet. Looks like he's healthy and finally in the type of shape he wants to be in to play his game. He is confident, assertive and strong. Hope he can teach Myers more of that.

 

[Inflict]

He's been a solid defenceman for us, albeit overpaid. When he's on, he's a calming presence on D like Enstrom was. The main problem with Kulikov has been injuries and consistency. I imagine that the consistency factor may also be related to playing through said injuries, but it's too hard to judge at this point. His last few games have been excellent and hopefully a new norm that helps elevate the team further.

 

[Adam da bomb]

I think he is a long term keeper depending on his health. I like watching him play.

I don't think the Jets should resign him unless he's willing to take a pay cut. I do think, however, it lets the Jets ride out his contract without having to pay to get rid of him. I am too afraid that he would get injured again if it came to resigning him no matter how great he's been playing.

 

[jetsforever]

Definitely prefer him to Morrow or Chiarot

 

[Robinson2187]

I assumed Kuli would be gone after this year for cap reasons.

His solid rebound after injury is encouraging and may prompt Chevy to keep him. Depends a lot on Trouba I suppose.

 

[Farmboy Patty]

A healthy Kulikov is great to have. I wonder what his pricetag would be if he was to be extended? We have a few younger D coming up the next couple of years and Kuli's calm but physical style and experience could work really well with Niku, for example.

 

[Tommigun]

Kulikov’s skating was some of the best I’ve seen (when the team was to Helsinki). He’s so good when he’s healthy and he’ll only get better now! So happy to have him. Also seems like a nice guy.

 

[ecolad]

A healthy Kulikov is great to have. I wonder what his pricetag would be if he was to be extended? We have a few younger D coming up the next couple of years and Kuli's calm but physical style and experience could work really well with Niku, for example.

This is a really good point. The Jets desperately need a 3rd line D who has some of the attributes shown by Kulikov to help rookie D make the jump to the NHL game . Someone who will be supportive and cover up for the inevitable miscues that will occur, and someone with a little bite physically who will make them more comfortable on the ice. It is a major bonus that Kulikov can play either side so as to fit with any and all newcomers.

 

[Howard Chuck]

I'm really happy to see him (or any player) come back from such an injury and be a very useful player again. That has to be a scary situation, and he must have worked very hard in rehab.

 

[KingBogo]

Enjoyed reading through this thread, and agreed Kuli has been playing very well for us now that he seems healthy.

 

[Jets]

He's certainly increasing his trade value which is a great thing! Can Kuli play both RHD and LHD?

No, he shoots strictly left.

 

[Royale With Cheese]

No, he shoots strictly left.

He can play either side, but he shoots left.