Introduction

In an unexpected twist in the hockey world, Nikolay Kulemin, who last graced the NHL ice in November 2017, is making headlines with his attempts to reignite his career with the Ottawa Senators. The news shocked many, including his close friend Mikhail Grabovski, who expressed his surprise but ultimately recognized Kulemin's impressive physical shape: “I looked at his legs and I said, ‘Oh, probably he can do it still. He’s a machine.'”

Challenges Ahead

Kulemin, now 38, faces an uphill battle as he tries to secure a spot on the Senators’ roster. His last appearance in the NHL was over six years ago, and last season only ten players aged 38 or older participated in the league. Despite this challenge, Kulemin is determined to prove that he still has what it takes.

A Family Decision

After spending six seasons in the KHL and having multiple offers to return, Kulemin made a bold decision to pursue a comeback in North America. A key motivation for his choice is his son, Aleks, who dreams of following in his father’s hockey footsteps. Aleks stands on the cusp of a crucial moment in his career, eligible for the OHL draft this year. The Kulemin family believes that playing AAA hockey with the Don Mills Flyers in Canada offers an invaluable experience that will benefit Aleks’s development.

Nikolay explains, “I decided this year that I wanted my son to play here in Canada. It’s a good level of hockey... It’s going to be something new for him to go through.” This family-centered decision ignited Kulemin's desire to return to the NHL, despite the difficulties of saying goodbye to his own playing career.

Professional Tryout with Senators

His return to professional hockey took shape when he secured a Professional Tryout (PTO) with the Senators, a move informed by the trust of Ottawa's senior vice president of hockey operations, Dave Poulin, who remembered Kulemin's strong work ethic from their time together with the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, a PTO comes with no guarantees; it only affords Kulemin a place to prove his worth through training camp and preseason games.

Early Impressions

During his early days with the Senators, Kulemin showed flashes of his past prowess, recording an assist in a recent exhibition game while maintaining solid defensive efforts. He remains focused, confident in his training, and ready to demonstrate that he can keep pace with the younger players determined to make their mark in the league.

Career Statistics and Expectations

His NHL career boasts impressive statistics, including a notable 30-goal season with the Maple Leafs in 2010-2011. Kulemin's playing style has always been characterized by reliability and strong two-way play, qualities that Grabovski believes will still resonate within team dynamics. Grabovski commented, “At this age, he already has so much experience and calmness... I think Kulie already knows he’s not going to score 30 goals in a season, right? He just needs to be a fourth-line player.”

Conclusion

As Kulemin embarks on this ambitious path back to the NHL, his determination and professional dedication shine through. Whether his comeback is met with success or becomes a reflective chapter in his career, one thing is clear: Kulemin's story is about more than hockey—it's a journey fueled by love for family and a passion for the game. As we watch his story unfold, can Kulemin defy the odds and cement his legacy once more in the NHL? Only time will tell.