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New York Islanders Injuries And Their Impacts On The Team

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 13: Casey Cizikas #53 of the New York Islanders leaves the ice following a first period injury against the Washington Capitals at the Barclays Center on December 13, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 13: Casey Cizikas #53 of the New York Islanders leaves the ice following a first period injury against the Washington Capitals at the Barclays Center on December 13, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 18: Nikolay Kulemin /

Nikolai Kulemin

Out until: Season
Impact on the team: 2/10

Nikolai Kulemin got hurt pretty early in the season, so you’d be forgiven if you forgot that he was even still on the team. Well, he is. And so is his $4.1875 million cap hit through the remainder of the season.

The injury he picked up in a game at home against the Oilers on November 7th is going to keep him out of the lineup for the season. Unfortunately effectively ending his time with the Islanders prematurely.

Its unfortunate, not on the basis that his contributions were great. But just on a personal level. You like to see guys end things on their own term. The right way. Not by some injury.

As a fourth line player, Kulemin’s presence wasn’t necessarily missed on the ice. I’m sure his teammates would love to have him back, he seems like a nice guy. In terms of skill level, Kulemin can certainly be replaced with a call-up. Alan Quine, Steve Bernier, Stephen Gionta. All three are effective replacements for Kulemin.

What Kulemin brought to the ice didn’t warrant that paycheque. Sure he plays on the penalty kill and yes he was ok in terms of puck possession. But you don’t pay those players over four million a season. Heck, the $3.5 and $3.25 deals given to Clutterbuck and Cizikas respectively still seem like too much.

Maybe the Isles can move Kulemin to LTIR and try to trade for a top-four defenseman to help out their beleaguered blueline?

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