Blues and Leafs On Each Other’s Radar?
Sources out of Toronto have the Blues and Maple Leafs on each other’s radar. One player whose name continues to pop up, not just with St. Louis, is forward Nikolai Kulemin.
A former 30 goal scorer, Kulemin is playing a different role with Toronto and could maybe use a change of scenery. The 26 year-old Russian has just 12 points this season but has been used primarily in a defensive/PK role. He’s seen limited PP action.
He put up 38 points in 36 KHL games this season. Kulemin is a childhood friend of Pittsburgh superstar Evgeni Malkin as the two played together before coming over to the NHL.
Toronto could be interested in a young player which may include former first round picks Schwartz and/or D-man Ian Cole.
The Blues would certainly need a D-man in return if they were to move Cole. Toronto has a surplus with nine D-men having played at least two games this season. One would think they’d like to create a spot for Jake Gardiner. Jake’s brother Max is a former Blues draft pick.
Kulemin signed a two-year extension last summer worth $5.6 Million. He has a cap hit of $2.8 and is due $3 Million next year.
It would take more in return than Kulemin if they were to move a Jaden Schwartz.
http://www.truehockey.com/articles/Blues-and-Leafs-On-Each-Others-Radar-01