News Article: Kulemin's Battle to be a Canadian citizen.

[The Man with a Plan]

Nicky and his family are finally on their way to becoming Canadian citizens.

It is quite the interesting article and I found a couple of things quite interesting as I'm sure some of you will.

1. He always instructed his agent to do whatever it took to remain a Leaf. Failing that he wanted any other Canadian team.

2. When he left for the Isles his agent told him he had no choice but to take the high offer or the NHLPA would not be happy with him.

“If Mr. Kulemin chose to forgo all United States based offers to stay in Canada for substantially less money, the NHLPA (the players union) would have taken a real issue with his decision as it does not benefit the union to have players take unfavorable deals when they have significantly better options available,” Greenstein wrote, going on to argue Kulemin had “no real choice.”

Interesting how that was worded by his agent. Almost like the PA would have a couple of guys visit Nicky and give him the "toe the association line or else" speech. Seems a little bit odd. A player should be able to sign for whatever they deem is fair for themselves. Not have to toe a line and take more somewhere they are not as happy playing.


Former Toronto Maple Leaf Nikolay Kulemin wins court battle in quest for Canadian citizenship

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Click to read more...

 

[The Magic Man]

Hard to beleive the PA wouldn't respect a players wishes. That's bull plop if it's true.

 

[Jozay]

Of course the PA wants the players to take the most money possible, but I doubt they'd do anything if he didnt.

 

[The Man with a Plan]

Of course the PA wants the players to take the most money possible, but I doubt they'd do anything if he didnt.

Well his agent testified that he had no choice but to take the bigger deal on the table. Kind of puts the PA on the hotseat a little bit with that statement.

 

[Jozay]

Well his agent testified that he had no choice but to take the bigger deal on the table. Kind of puts the PA on the hotseat a little bit with that statement.

His agent just wanted to make the most money possible for himself.

 

[Canada4Gold]

NHLPA Unless you want to give me my biggest offer while allowing me to work in Canada then I don’t work for you and should be able to make my own decisions thanks. If my agent doesn’t respect me wishes then I can fire him too.

This should be fairly simple.

 

[The Man with a Plan]

His agent just wanted to make the most money possible for himself.

Possibly. But the agent would then lie in court about it? Seems like an odd move to make for a now ex client.

 

[Metroid]

That's b.s he should be able to sign for whatever he wants wherever he wants.

 

[Man Bear Pig]

How many players have chosen not to be in the union? The only athlete I recall who wasn't in a players union was Barry Bonds. Because things like this are a pretty good reason to leave s union.

 

[thewave]

That's b.s he should be able to sign for whatever he wants wherever he wants.

Greedy agent lies to Russian born player to get bigger cut. The union may not like it but they would not be breaking his knees.

 

[ACC1224]

Why isn't Tavares a Shark?

 

[smitty10]

Typical union garbage. Not surprised at all.

 

[MapleLeafs9]

Agents get a % of a player's contract, and I'm sure that's what it really was

 

[Stephen]

It's a plausible explanation given to strengthen Kulemin's citizenship case. In any case, hope he and his family get what they want.

 

[Antropovsky]

How much is he making in khl? I’d loved to have him back in t.o

 

[Jozay]

Possibly. But the agent would then lie in court about it? Seems like an odd move to make for a now ex client.

To do him a solid after Kulemin bought his lie.

 

[Marshy]

Sounds like the Mark Gandler school of Agenting...

 

[Al14]

That's b.s he should be able to sign for whatever he wants wherever he wants.

Tell that to the NHL! Players should be able to sign wherever they want and not HAVE to sign with the team that drafted them. JMHO.

 

[613Leafer]

NHL players are guaranteed 50% of hockey revenue. What the heck does the union care where or what Kulemin signs for? Their slice of the pie is completely unaffected.

 

[thewave]

NHL players are guaranteed 50% of hockey revenue. What the heck does the union care where or what Kulemin signs for? Their slice of the pie is completely unaffected.

Smart and Greedy agent makes more money if he signs for more money? I would push for it too, wouldn't you?

 

[Nineteen67]

It’s a good article......READ IT!!!

 

[Warden of the North]

I hope he succeeds and can stay in Canada. One of our few legitimate home grown "talents" from the Dark Ages.

I presume that because his children are Canadian citizens (born in Canada) we wont just kick him out if his citizenship is not granted, however it will make living here permanently more difficult.

 

[Nineteen67]

Why isn't Tavares a Shark?

Key word....”substantial”

 

[Gabriel426]

I can see the PA getting piss but I doubt they would do anything to the player.
Players sign for lesser deals all the time with teams/cities they want to stay in.

 

[leaffaninvancouver]

I hope he's able to get citizenship, he and his family seem like good people.