Russian prospect has 'good future' with Maple Leafs

Russian prospect Nikolai Kulemin could become the centrepiece of a Toronto Maple Leafs team that aims to put the focus on its youth next season.

The 21-year-old winger, who tied for fifth in Russian Super League scoring this season with 21 goals in 57 games, was house hunting in Toronto with his wife and his brother this week. According to interim general manager Cliff Fletcher, Kulemin will soon be given every opportunity to find a home with the Leafs.

"We feel that he has a good future and he's part of the way we want to go," said interim general manager Cliff Fletcher. "Very definitely [he will be in the NHL], based on his level of play to date."

Fletcher's plan is for the Leafs to rely more on their youngsters next season.

Ron Wilson, who is in negotiations to assume the head-coaching job in Toronto, has been picked more for his ability to develop youth than his winning record. The 53-year-old had 12 players aged 25 or younger when he took over the San Jose Sharks in 2002-03.

Next season, the Leafs figure to have at least 10.

"He'll be a good fit, because of his history in San Jose," Fletcher said of Wilson. "San Jose was one of the youngest teams in the league and he had a great record of integrating young players into his lineup and playing them with good players to accelerate their development."

The difference is that San Jose had a core group comprised of 23-year-old Scott Hannan, Patrick Marleau (22) and Brad Stuart (22) when Wilson was hired. The Leafs, by contrast, mostly have average youngsters with limited potential.

From Kyle Wellwood to Matt Stajan to Alex Steen, Toronto has plenty of homegrown talent in its system. But, so far, the team has failed to develop any of its draft picks into stars.

Kulemin, who was selected 44th overall by the Leafs in 2006, may be the exception.
The 6-foot-1, 183-pounder was named top rookie in his first season with Magnitogorsk Metallurg. He finished third with 27 goals a year later. And he was recently one of three finalists for the 2008 playoff MVP.

After signing Kulemin to a three-year, entry-level contract in May 2007, the Leafs expect to see him at next month's prospects camp in Toronto. After that, the team is hopeful that he will be one of many up-and-coming players to build upon for the future.

It is a familiar wish.

For years, the Leafs have been expecting great things from their draft choices. But, so far, few have developed into players worth building around.

Last season, Wellwood (25) and Stajan and Steen (both 24) combined for just 39 goals and 96 points. The only bright spot may have been puck-moving rookie defenceman Anton Stralman, who went on to represent Sweden in the world championships.

Still, Fletcher seems intent on going young -- regardless of whether it leads to a fourth missed playoff appearance.

"When you're in our situation," said Fletcher, "obviously we're going to have a lot of young players. The issue there is we have to bring their game to a higher level along with doing other things."