In a shocking turn of events, Nikolay Kulemin has set his sights on an NHL comeback with the Ottawa Senators this fall, leaving his good friend Mikhail Grabovski taken aback, echoing the sentiments of many hockey fans worldwide.
“Kind of surprised,” Grabovski shared with The Athletic. “But then I looked at his legs and I said, ‘Oh, probably he can do it still.’ He’s a machine.”
After leaving the NHL to play for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in 2018 to be closer to family, Kulemin now finds himself drawn back to North America for his son’s hockey aspirations.
“I decided this year that I wanted my son to play here in Canada,” Kulemin explained to The Athletic. “It’s a good level of hockey. It’s a fast game here, it’s a little different than Russia. Teams have less players, so it’s like only three lines of forwards and back home it’s four lines. It’s a little more exciting, a little more ice time, so it’s going to be something new for him to go through.”
With his family settled in Toronto, Kulemin sought out an opportunity in the NHL, eventually securing a PTO with the Senators, where he hopes to contribute his strong work ethic and veteran presence.
Despite the slim odds and no guarantees, Kulemin is determined to make the most of his chance with the Senators, even if it means starting with a tough road ahead during training camp.
As part of the group sent to Toronto for the exhibition opener, Kulemin showcased his skills and picked up an assist while proving to be a reliable presence on the ice. His reputation as a steady two-way forward precedes him, with a career highlighted by consistent play and hard work, even during his standout season with the Maple Leafs in 2010-11.
“He’s just reliable always,” Grabovski affirmed, recognizing Kulemin’s enduring work ethic and dedication to the game.
With his eyes set on a potential roster spot with the Senators, Kulemin faces a challenging journey ahead but remains determined to make the most of this unexpected opportunity in the NHL.
