Nikolay Kulemin’s NHL Comeback: A Journey of Determination and Family
When Mikhail Grabovski first learned that his good friend Nikolay Kulemin intended to attempt an NHL comeback this fall by trying out for the Ottawa Senators, his reaction mirrored the surprise felt across the hockey community. “Kind of surprised,” Grabovski admitted, reflecting on Kulemin’s decision. “But then I looked at his legs and I said, ‘Oh, probably he can do it still.’ He’s a machine.”
Despite Kulemin’s impressive physical condition, the odds are stacked against him. Nearly seven years have passed since his last game with the New York Islanders in November 2017, and only ten players aged 38 or older participated in the NHL last season. Kulemin’s journey back to the ice is not just a personal challenge; it’s a testament to his resilience and love for the game.
A New Chapter in Russia
For the past six seasons, Kulemin has been playing in the KHL, where he enjoyed a successful career and made a comfortable living. He had multiple offers to continue playing in Russia but chose to return to North America, driven by family considerations. In 2018, he left the NHL to play for his hometown team, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, allowing his children to grow up near their grandparents. Now, another family development has prompted his return: his son, Aleks, is an aspiring hockey player facing an important draft year in the OHL.
Kulemin explained, “I decided this year that I wanted my son to play here in Canada. It’s a good level of hockey. It’s a fast game here, it’s a little different than Russia.” The opportunity for Aleks to play AAA for the Don Mills Flyers in the Greater Toronto Hockey League was too good to pass up, leading Kulemin to seek an NHL opportunity while supporting his son’s aspirations.
The Challenge of a Comeback
While Kulemin is excited about the prospect of playing in the NHL again, he acknowledges the challenges ahead. With his wife, Natasha, committed to caring for their children in Toronto, Kulemin is focused on proving himself to the Senators. He secured a professional tryout (PTO) with the team, which is looking for veteran players to help establish a competitive culture. His long-standing relationship with Ottawa’s senior vice president of hockey operations, Dave Poulin, who has known Kulemin for 15 years from their time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, played a crucial role in this opportunity.
However, a PTO comes with no guarantees. Kulemin’s journey to secure a spot on the roster is steep, as evidenced by his participation in a recent exhibition game where he played alongside AHL-level talent and junior players. Despite the odds, Kulemin managed to pick up an assist while maintaining a solid defensive presence, not being on the ice for any goals against.
Proving His Worth
As Kulemin navigates the early days of training camp, he remains focused on demonstrating his capabilities. “Just show my best and show that I still can do it,” he stated. His goal is to prove he can keep pace with younger players and contribute to the team’s success. Throughout his ten-year NHL career, Kulemin was known for his two-way play, winning puck battles and providing stability on the ice. His standout season came in 2010-11 when he scored 30 goals and recorded 57 points, a highlight he recalls fondly due to the chemistry he shared with teammates Clarke MacArthur and Grabovski.
The Road Ahead
Kulemin’s recent seasons in the KHL have shown consistent production, with goal totals of 14, 13, and 13 over the past three years. His commitment to maintaining peak physical condition is evident in his training regimen, which he approaches with seriousness and dedication. “To be professional, you have to take seriously every little thing. You have to live it. You have to train. You have to rest well. You have to eat well,” he explained.
As Kulemin pursues his NHL comeback, the Senators are keeping an open mind about his potential role. If he doesn’t secure a spot on the NHL roster, there’s a possibility he could join the AHL Belleville team. However, Kulemin’s willingness to accept such an opportunity remains uncertain.
A Friend’s Support
Despite the challenges, Kulemin is not alone in this journey. Grabovski, his longtime friend, believes in Kulemin’s ability to contribute to a team if given the right circumstances. “At this age, he already has so much experience and calmness,” Grabovski noted. “You just come and you do your best. The coach tells you how many minutes you play, and you do it. 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.”
Kulemin’s determination to make a comeback, coupled with the support of friends and family, paints a picture of a player who is not ready to hang up his skates just yet. Whether this journey leads to a new chapter in the NHL or a different path remains to be seen, but Kulemin’s story is one of resilience, passion, and the enduring love of the game.