The NHL Trade Deadline is looming and almost every Toronto Maple Leaf with the exception of Kessel and Phanuef has had their name bandied about in the media as potential trade bait. Names like Kadri, MacArthur, Schenn, Gunnarsson, Komisarek and Finger (OK, not Finger), have been mentioned in deals to various clubs including the Ducks and Flyers.
With all due respect to the names listed above, the only man I truly fear losing from the Leafs line-up is right winger Nikolai Kulemin. The 25 year old might be the most under-appreciated man in the NHL, and a big part of the reason why our club has been lauded all season by hockey pundits for our forward depth.
Unfortunately, Kuelmin has received undue criticism this year for his perceived lack of contribution to the team’s success. However, the people throwing the proverbial mud at Nik can’t possibly be the same fans driving up TV ratings as Kulemin operates at a consistently high level every single night.
Let's not forget that it was widely speculated that Kulemin was one of the key pieces in a deal that nearly landed the Leafs Mike Richards this offseason. He's a coveted asset for a reason.
