I've watched a lot of Metallurg highlights this season, and nothing in Kule's game looks any different than last season with the Leafs- other than the fact that shots are going in, and obviously he's getting a few more chances playing with Malkin.
He plays a smart, hard nosed, efficient game. He grinds, goes to the net as often as I've ever seen anyone do it and has excellent positioning there. Overall he has above average but not excellent skills in all areas. Although come to think of it, I actually think his speed is underrated, he can fly.
I'd have to agree with Nik, last season his troubles were 99% between his ears. And I'm more than willing to give him a mulligan on that considering the tragic circumstances dealt to him just before the season coupled with being a new father.
And yet despite his lack of production weren't we still praising him for his two-way game?
I'm a big Kule fan so feel free to colour me biased, but I really feel that Kule can be an important support piece on any contending team; something which can't be said for all players who do well on mediocre to bad teams. A 20+ goal, 45-50 pt season is I think a realistic and excellent output for Kule here considering what else he brings to the table.