"Right from the beginning, New Jersey was on the top of my list. I wanted to be in a city where I'm comfortable, where my family will be comfortable, you know there's some mutual friends that live in New Jersey and I said from the beginning, I want to try to be in that city," said Kulikov. "Looking at the team with that young core, young players that we have now, it's an exciting time."
"The type of hockey that the young team can play is a fast-paced game, they're skilled they want to make plays. That's exciting. And on the other hand. As a veteran, I can teach how to play some defense and you close out the games and stuff like that because I've been in those situations…so kind of bringing that experience into a young team, hopefully, I can pass some of that along to the younger players."
Kulikov veteran experience will bring stability to the Devils defense. The left-handed defenseman just finished his 11th season in the NHL, with stops in Florida, Buffalo, and Winnipeg, where he most recently played. He's played a total of 677 NHL games recording 35 goals and 135 assists for a total of 170 points. In addition, Kulikov has playoff experience, competing in 24 Stanley Cup playoff games throughout his career tallying 7 points (1-6-7).
Kulikov eyes playing on the same team as P.K. Subban, as one of the benefits to joining Jersey.
"I think there are some really good players, obviously with P.K. I've looked at him, and we've kind of started our careers together, he was in Montreal, I was in Florida. So we've been playing against each other for a long time now. And you know, now getting the chance to play together possibly in the same pair, that's really exciting."
Subban isn't the only Devils player Kulikov is familiar with. Through different training and skating sessions, Kulikov has gotten to know his fellow countryman Nikita Gusev. Gusev is a key part of the Devils core moving forward in the franchise.
"I've skated with Gusev a few times before the playoffs so I got to know him pretty well," said Kulikov. "[Gusev] is a very skilled player, a very good player."
Although he is a defenseman, Kulikov's offensive production and understanding of how strong defensive play can lead to a great offensive opportunity will be another key part of his game with the Devils.
"Offensive abilities [are] always in my game, and the way that it has changed from when I started is that I'm way more aware defensively than I was, I guess that comes with the experience and time spent in the league," said Kulikov on his ability to produce offensively. "I've always like physical game, I've always liked physical, big hits, especially open ice hits."
"I believe that any big defensive play can lift the team up in a way and give you momentum as a big scoring chance or a bigger opportunity in the offensive zone, and a big save as well. I think that these things can be overlooked, big blocked shot can be a huge momentum swing in the game, a big hit can be a big momentum swing in the game, so I feel like I like that type of play and I'm excited to bring it every time I play."
