I agree it gets frustrating at times, but it's not just him. For all the promise Gudbranson showed in pre-season, he has nothing to show for it in 10 games. But as it's been mentioned before, they are young, we can't give up on them. We really have to stay the course. If we trade them I have no doubt they'll become studs wherever they go. I have no problem changing our vets, but our young core I'm not giving up on.
My question to those supporting a decision to trade Kulikov would be: Why trade a player who's shown the ability to play top-4 defensemen minutes and is only 22 yrs old.
Patience is a virtue, with the influx of talent in the next couple of seasons Kulikov will blossom as will Gudbranson and hopefully Michael Matheson. Building thru the draft and sticking the full course is something as Panther fans (myself included) are use to hearing but never seeing.
We should be focused on the defensive laps from Campbell, Gilroy (who plays like a 4th forward), and Weaver. For all each brings to the table not one of them is a complete defensemen.
I always find it comical when this board decides to pick roughly 2-3 players each season to pick on and trade based on an entire teams performance rather than an individuals talent, many of whom then do get moved and produce else where. (Please I do not want an argument of "well which players were they" or "oh ok, name em then") I'm simply having an interventional discussion.
Nailed it. Let the kids learn from the vets and grow as people, friends and teammates. I believe the real plan Tallon is building is still 2 years away from all playing together. Trocheck, Matheson, Howden, McCohsen, Petrovic etc are still on their way.
Year 3 of 5 on the build is only 10 games in. Tallon has a B in my books so far with his budget, I'm hoping Viola opens the wallet to re-sign the core group and add the other puzzle pieces that need money when the time comes. Dale got us back to the playoffs and I'm very confident we are a playoff team by 2015/16. Playoffs before are obviously possible and would be the cherry on top.
Keep Kulikov and sign him based on his performance, I'm assuming a 2-3 year deal depending when he's at UFA status. Look at our UFA/RFA on D this year. Guddy needs a new contract plus the UFA's are Weaver, Whitney, Gilbert and Gilroy.
I think we can agree Robak or Petrovic need to take that next step and earn a spot for the 14/15 season. Matheson and McCoshen should be on by 15/16 season. Trading Kuli would mean Matheson and McCoshen would have to be rushed as we won't resign all the UFA's at year's end.
By 2015/16 Our Defense depth would be something like this:
Kulikov
Gudbranson
Campbell
Petrovic
Matheson
McCoshen
Robak
Looks pretty good to me as long as the development in all of them works out.