Kulakov doesn’t flash any high-end talent, but he plays a smart and safe style that makes him effective at his position. He has excellent defensive positioning in his own zone and is smart and calculated with his stick checks, breaking up passes and forcing opponents into safer ice. Using his size and reach he defends his own blue line well, making it difficult for the other team to gain entry when attacking on the rush. He’ll stand up and knock opponents down if they get too close, but he’s not the type of player who runs around looking for hits. He is fairly light and fluid on his skates, moving around the ice smoothly and effectively if not dynamically. Can stutter step to help shake off opponents and buy him an extra bit of space and time. Is willing and able to pick up the puck in his own end and carry it up ice if he sees an opportunity, and won’t force the play if it’s not there. He makes smart decisions on his breakout passes, allowing his forwards to receive them in stride. Not overly skilled with his puck control, but he’s capable and poised enough to not be turnover prone. Doesn’t get a lot of power behind his shots right now, but there is room for him to add muscle to his frame and improve that. His wrist shots from the point are pretty smooth and accurate, giving him some upside as someone who can shoot looking for tips. He backs out of the offensive zone prematurely at times, but that allows him to defend off the rush a little easier because he’s already given himself a nice gap to defend. His playing style doesn’t result in many mistakes because he plays a bit on the safer side. It’s hard to get a good read on Kulakov’s upside and what role he could fill on an NHL team, but he has a lot of interesting growth potential.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide