When the Sabres traded with Florida for Dmitry Kulikov, I wanted to get some insight into the player and what Sabres’ fans should look forward to. Up stepped the fine folks at Litter Box Cats, who answered a few questions I had – and some great ones submitted by BWins Staffers Evan Dent and Luke Wachob – who provided a few of the meatier Q’s for them to A.
With free agency looming and all sorts of Panthers-related things brewing I’d like to thank JC and Todd for taking the time to answer these questions. And take a sec to stop by Litter Box Cats on SB Nation – they do good work over there and from these answers you can tell they bring an intelligent, well done take on their favorite team.
1. So, what can you tell fans about why Florida was willing to part with Kulikov?
Todd: After posting their best regular season ever, the Florida has made some serious changes to its defense corps this offseason. The front office is placing much more importance on analytics, an area where Kulikov comes up short. Factor that in with this being the last year of his current contract and that Mark Pysyk is a little younger, and much cheaper, and the trade starts to make a lot of sense. Picking up a third-round pick in the draft was an added bonus for the Panthers.
2. During his time with the Panthers, was there a game or games that stood out for him?
Todd: Kulikov was a polarizing figure among Panthers fans. His detractors would tell you his standout moments would be due to his penchant for making bad plays out of nowhere. Instead, I will single out his performance on March 5, 2015. When he scored a goal, added an assist and got in a fight to record a Gordie Howe hat trick in a 4-3 shootout loss to Dallas. That was nice game from Dmitry that stuck in my mind.
3. How interactive was Dmitry with the fans – either in the area in person or on social media?
Todd: To the best of my knowledge Kulikov is pretty quiet, both personally and on social media.
4. What are his strengths and weaknesses as you saw them?
JC: It’s nearly chuckle-inducing to try and define Kulikov’s strengths and weaknesses, not because he has none, but because he has played so many different roles and had so many different expectations during his time in Florida. Effective at all yet master of none comes to mind, but not in a purely negative way. Kulikov is a great skater. He has speed to go along with a very effective set of hands. He showed the ability to drive zone entries when required and permitted to, and could get into the offensive corners or drive the net with equal effectiveness. He was equally effective pushing through hits to do so. He has a very good shot as well – from the point and on the snap. He can be very physical and is good at separating players from the puck. He improved noticeably late last season and against the Islanders in the playoffs on the defensive side.
The worst of his weaknesses all come back to one annoying thing. I call him “the bonehead” due to his propensity to make boneheaded plays. This is especially true with his hits, which often lead to very poorly-timed penalties, and with his passing. In that respect he can be a hugely frustrating player.
5. I noticed that he’s an impending FA next year – how big a role do you think that played in his departure?
Todd: I’d say that’s probably the biggest reason Kulikov is in Buffalo now. With Keith Yandle, and his shiny new contract, in the fold, and young building blocks like Aaron Ekblad, Vincent Trocheck, Jonathan Huberdeau and Reilly Smith needing extensions in the near future, giving Dmitry a raise after the season was something the Panthers were, in all likelihood, going to be unable to do.
6. Kulikov is 25 years old but has played in the NHL since 2009. Has he reached his ceiling or is there still room for growth?
JC: As you saw in the answer to question above, Kulikov showed defensive improvement down the stretch and in the playoffs last season, which suggests room to grow. He played so many roles for the Panthers, I tend to think if he were to focus on one particular role, as a first-pair puck lover who is permitted to take chances, or a power play specialist, or a second-pair shutdown guy, he will finalize growth into that role. SO yes,- I believe there is still room.
7. The Sabres need a new linemate for their best defender, Rasmus Ristolainen. Can Kulikov be a top pairing defensemen?
JC: Yes, I think he can play that role, as long as he has indeed left the majority of the aforementioned boneheaded playas behind in Sunrise. He appeared to do just that late last season and he became the go to lefty in the playoffs for coach Gerard Gallant. Brian Campbell was used in that role over Kulikov, because Dmitry was much better at shutting down opponents than Campbell. Thus, Kulikov never really got a chance to show first pair offensive ability and power play ability on a good Panther team. But his ability with his shot and puck carrying skills point to more than what the Panthers asked of him last year.
8. Anything else you think Sabres fans should know about the Blue-liner?
Todd: I think we covered a lot here, but I say the Sabres are getting a pretty solid defenseman, especially if Kulkov continues to play like did in the playoffs against the Islanders. Kulikov appears to have the skill set to do it all. The question is, did the way the Panthers use him over the years hold him back from realizing his offensive potential or was that part of his game over-hyped when he was a prospect. If the answer to that question is the former, and Buffalo can unlock that part of his game, then this could turn out to be a very good deal for the Sabres. If it’s the latter then I don’t know if they are going to want to give him a raise at the end of the season when his contract is up.
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