Will Nikolai Kulemin Return Next Season?

Heading into the offseason, following the conclusion of this past season, Brian Burke had one main goal—to make a playoff-contending team for next season.

Burke already has a lot of the key components in place, signing Jonas Gustavsson only a few weeks ago and further strengthening the Leafs' goaltending situation with the signing of Jussi Rynnas.

When looking at the Leafs defence as well, they probably have one of the best back-ends in the league. The only real question mark for the Leafs is their offence.

I know that most Leafs fans are excited with all the young talent that is currently on the roster, but in order for them to truly be considered a playoff team, there is still a lot of retooling that needs to be done up front.

One of the biggest offensive surprises for the Leafs this season was Nikolai Kulemin.

After starting off the season very poorly, only registering 12 points in 37 games, Kulemin increased his offensive production by scoring 10 goals and 24 points in the last 40 games, while also being one of the Leafs' best players.

Heading into the offseason it was already common knowledge that Kulemin was a restricted free agent. He would be demanding a pay raise, but what people don't know is how much Kulemin will want and how much Burke will be willing to pay him.

Everybody likes to think of Burke as a magician (myself included), but I am almost positive that Burke may have a certain limit that he is willing to pay Kulemin. All we have to do is hope that Kulemin does not ask for more than Burke is willing to pay.

I don't see Burke going anywhere over $2-3 million to pay Kulemin, and looking at his logic it makes a lot of sense.

Kulemin may have been one of the Leafs' better players in the second half of the season, but there are still at lot of holes in his game that need to be fixed. He was still inconsistent during the second half of the season, which is something that he's going to have to change to be a real threat in the NHL.

Kulemin has shown flashes of brilliance this year, and I believe that he can be a real threat in the coming years. If he and Burke cannot come to a contract agreement, don't be surprised if you hear Kulemin's name in any offseason trades.

I hear a lot of Leafs-haters out there saying that the only viable trading chip that the Leafs have is Tomas Kaberle, but I can see lots of teams who would be more than happy to acquire the services of Kulemin.

I don't really know what Kulemin's worth would be in the open market, but if any team decides to sign him as a restricted free agent from the Leafs for more than $3 million, that would give the Leafs a first, second, and third-round draft pick as compensation.

If any team in the NHL is crazy enough to sign Kulemin for more than $4 million, I say let them—have that general manager give up two first-round picks, a second, and a third.

If we look at any logical trades for Kulemin if he does not get what he's looking for with the Leafs, I think that dealing Kulemin with Kaberle (if Kulemin does not re-sign) would be the most logical decision for Burke.

Unless Burke can find a very good deal for Kulemin on his own (maybe a first-round pick and a prospect or later-round pick depending on the team). Burke could definitely obtain a top-six forward, a great role player, and potentially a first-round pick or some second and third-round picks in exchange for both Kaberle and Kulemin.

Although I'm already looking at possible options for Kulemin via trade and RFA compensation, I would love to see Kulemin back in the blue and white next season.

He has great potential, and we already know how well he can play with both Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel. Although they may not be a bona fide first line, it is good to know that they have good chemistry together and gives Ron Wilson more options for the Leafs' lineup next season.

Only time will tell what Brian Burke decides to do with Nikolai Kulemin. Either way, whether he is dealt or re-signed, it can only be a good thing for the Leafs next season.