Ilya Nikulin an All-Star Starter?

Way back in 2000 NHL Draft the Thrashers used their 2nd round pick on a Russian defenseman named Ilya Nikulin. In the ensuing years there have been several summer time flirtations with the NHL where it seemed he might make the transition across the Atlantic. Of course, he never did come to play in the NHL, but it does seem that the Thrashers selected a good player. According to James Mirtle he is currently in 4th place in balloting for Team Russia for the KHL All-Star Game which will use a Russia versus the World format.