How good is this kid going to be? and when?

I have had him on my bench for a couple of years and he is just not producing at all. Does anyone have any insight on him? Do they even televise Panthers games?

Thanks

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2012-13 Champs

14 Team Keeper League
Start 9F, 6D, 1G, 10 Bench - Keep 16
G-1, A-1, PIM-0.2, GWG-1 W-2, SO-3, OTL-1

Starters
F: H Sedin, Backstrom, Kovalchuk, Perry, Callahan, Parise, M Koivu, M Richards, St. Louis

D: Byfuglien, Subban, Shattenkirk, OEL, Robidas, J. Johnson

G: Lundqvist

IR: Ward, Pitkanen

Bench:
F: Dupuis, Zajac, Brassard, Zuccarello, Shore, Backlund, Killorn
D: Hillen
G: Fasth, Emery, Bryzgalov, Nabokov

I love this kid's game. Been tracking since I caught a couple of his games back in junior. Loved the way he could rush the puck and had some excellent vision. He has a lot of upside but is just following a more traditional development process for defensemen. One thing to love is that he's only 20. By all means he shouldn't really be in the NHL but was able to stick because of his natural talents despite being physically and mentally immature.

Right now he's just gaining experience and growing his game while the Panthers go through their rebuild. Right now they simply don't play a strong enough game for him to garner a lot of points. He also isn't seeing top unit PP time as they've given those minutes to McCabe and Wideman.

Trust that he's one of the centerpieces of what they are building in Florida. The offensive weapons aren't there but trust Tallon and company will get them. In a few years Florida will be flying, meanwhile Kulikov is going to slowly build up his game and I think you'll see his offensive numbers slowly picking up over the years.

It's tough to preach patience when you see all these fast developing prospects and their immediate returns but that's what you have to do with Kulikov. He's one of those ones who if you deal him on the cheap you will end up regretting it.

So while I'm sure you are enjoying the dividends of the fast beginnings to Shattenkirk's pro career you can still use him to provide some perspective. Shattenkirk had to spend 3 full seasons in college before making the jump and still couldn't make the Avs in his first training camp. He's benefitting from his maturity level having spent those three extra seasons before making the jump but also from playing on a team ready to produce at a high level. Your Kulikov and really Hedman for that matter are receiving on the job training. They're likely to take at least as long as Shattenkirk to develop into a real contributor it's just we have to watch them do it on the grandest stage.

Now if there's a D guy on your team to get frustrated with and bail on, it's Niskanen. That guy is going nowhere.

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Thanks for the insight Metaldude, that is what I was hoping. As for Niskanen, that is not what I was expecting at all. He is killing me.

__________________
2012-13 Champs

14 Team Keeper League
Start 9F, 6D, 1G, 10 Bench - Keep 16
G-1, A-1, PIM-0.2, GWG-1 W-2, SO-3, OTL-1

Starters
F: H Sedin, Backstrom, Kovalchuk, Perry, Callahan, Parise, M Koivu, M Richards, St. Louis

D: Byfuglien, Subban, Shattenkirk, OEL, Robidas, J. Johnson

G: Lundqvist

IR: Ward, Pitkanen

Bench:
F: Dupuis, Zajac, Brassard, Zuccarello, Shore, Backlund, Killorn
D: Hillen
G: Fasth, Emery, Bryzgalov, Nabokov

Young d-men are so difficult to predict. You shouldn't get too down on them when their production is non-existent like Kulikov, but you also shouldn't get too high on them when their production is through the roof like Shattenkirk.

Look at Shattenkirk. The guy had 0 points in 10 games for Lake Erie in the AHL and from what I have read he was a surprise call-up to the Avs as many felt he was not ready or deserving. And now he has proceeded to light the NHL on fire.

Then you have Del Zotto last year, who came out on fire like Shattenkirk did and after cooling off considerably ended up with 37 points. This year he has 9 points through 33 games, a 22 point pace. And McBain, who came out on fire last year and put up 10 points in 14 games, a 59 point pace. Now he has 8 points in 30 games, also a 22 point pace.

Another example of a highly skilled kid being rushed into the NHL when he wasnt really ready. Ah the curse of playing in a city(that shouldnt have a franchise in the NHL) that is losing money and needs to cut costs. And a defenceman at that.
He's playing so inconsistant and showing a lack of confidence.

Expect a bit of a wait b4 u see him blossom(if they havent ruined him). Perhaps a trip to the Farm wouldnt be a bad idea either. Though atleast there playing him regularily.

All I say is hes good so be patient.