Aleksey Kulemin, the son of former NHL player Nikolay Kulemin, is generating a buzz ahead of the Ontario Hockey League draft, scheduled for April 2025. The upcoming OHL Cup, which begins on March 24, 2025, will play a pivotal role in shaping the prospects of various young players, including Aleksey, who is showing promise as a first-round pick.
This year’s OHL Cup kicks off with play-in games, featuring 18 of the most elite under-16 teams from Ontario and two from the United States. The tournament will culminate with the final at the Mattamy Centre on March 28, 2025. While there’s no clear-cut No. 1 prospect this year, strong performances in this tournament may change that, especially as scouts will be closely watching these young talents.
Aleksey, aged 16, stands at six feet two inches tall and weighs 175 pounds. He is currently playing with the Don Mills Flyers under-16 AAA team, which has earned the top ranking in Ontario. The Kulemin family moved back to Canada to facilitate Aleksey’s ambition of playing major junior hockey. Nikolay Kulemin recently returned to North America after a six-year absence from the league, and his son is now poised to carve out his own legacy in the sport.
This season, Aleksey captured attention with his performance in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, where he helped lead the Flyers to the league championship title against the Toronto Titans. Aleksey's coach, Jamie Edwards, praised him for his exceptional adaptation to the physical demands of his new environment. “He has been unbelievable, especially in the last month-and-a-half for us. He’s progressed massively,” Edwards remarked. “His hockey IQ and his puck protection are so elite.”
Earlier this year, Aleksey showcased his skills in the Prodigy Prospects league, where he recorded six assists in just four games. These performances have contributed to his rising status on the OHL draft rankings, with expectations that he will be selected high when the draft takes place in April.
The journey for the Kulemin family began when Nikolay reached out to former NHL player and current development coach Nik Antropov, whose involvement helped Aleksey secure a place on the Flyers. Edwards informed Aleksey and his family that he would have to earn his position, indicating that the team had high standards and a winning culture. Despite the pressure, Aleksey has flourished, demonstrating the ability to adapt from playing minor hockey in Russia to the competitive nature of the GTHL.
Nikolay Kulemin emphasized the importance of Aleksey proving himself, noting, “He had to prove to them that he could play at the top level here and be a top-line player.” This determination has led Aleksey to experience substantial growth as a player, particularly in his on-ice presence and physicality.
As the OHL Cup approaches, Aleksey’s focus remains on continuing to improve. “I think I’ve progressed, taking little steps through the season,” he stated after the Flyers captured the GTHL title. “And I’m playing much better now than at the beginning of the year.” His confidence is evident, and he has an eye on the future goal of reaching the NHL draft in 2028.
The young forward's upbringing has afforded him significant advantages in developing his hockey career. Growing up around the NHL culture, Aleksey is benefiting from the wealth of knowledge imparted from his father’s experiences in professional hockey. Nikolay is known for having had a successful career, highlighted by a noteworthy 30-goal season and participation in international competitions, including winning gold medals at prestigious tournaments.
Now, Aleksey is eager to follow in his father’s footsteps. As he gears up for the OHL Cup, he understands the weight of expectations and acknowledges the ongoing journey ahead. “That’s definitely what I want to do,” Aleksey mused. “It’s going to be a fun next month or so.” The upcoming tournament represents not just a milestone for him, but a chance to solidify his position in the OHL draft discussions.
As the tournament unfolds, scouts will undoubtedly scrutinize Kulemin's performances closely, monitoring his progression and evaluating his fit for their teams. With a strong showing, Aleksey could significantly enhance his draft positioning, paving the way for a bright future in hockey.
The OHL Cup is set to not only highlight emerging hockey talents but also serve as a crucial platform for players like Aleksey Kulemin to demonstrate their capabilities on a grand stage. As the stakes get higher, this young athlete is prepared to rise to the occasion, combining his considerable skills with a legacy that he is determined to uphold.
