Artyom Kulakov was just ranked 64th for International skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He is a left-handed defenseman who was drafted to the Erie Otters of the OHL.

The 6-foot-2 201-pound Russian played for various St. Petersburg minor hockey teams. During his CHL import draft season, serving as alternate captain for Spartak St. Petersburg U17, he recorded 10 goals and 40 points in 29 games. This was good enough to lead the league in scoring by a defenseman. This caught the attention of the Erie Otters scouting department and led to them drafting him 82nd overall in the 2nd round of the 2020 CHL import draft.

Scott Grieve, the Erie Otters assistant director of hockey operations was very excited when speaking about Artyom, “Artyom is a mobile defender with good size and has a noticeable ability to contribute offensively. He brings a wealth of experience, including time internationally with Russia’s U16 team. We’re thrilled to welcome Artem to the Otters family and excited to see him in an Otters uniform.”

This past 2020-21 hockey season, Artyom played 8 games for Spartak St. Petersburg U18 recording 6 goals and 12 points. He then moved to play for Omskie Yastreby of the MHL (a major junior hockey league in Russia) where he recorded 4 goals and 12 points in 29 games.

Here's a scouting report video about Artyom: