Brett Kulak, a defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers, has been selected for the Daily Faceoff trade targets list.
During the ongoing pro meetings of the Edmonton Oilers in Northern Alberta this week, discussions have turned to potential trades, with defenseman Brett Kulak emerging as a new name in the conversation. Kulak, aged 30, has secured the 11th spot on Daily Faceoff’s trade targets board, curated by Frank Seravalli.
With two years remaining on his contract worth $2.75 million, Kulak’s presence on the team may become a financial strain that the Oilers cannot sustain. Seravalli elaborates further:
The Oilers value Kulak, and the Alberta-native himself enjoys playing in Edmonton. However, if the team aims to create room under the salary cap for a significant trade deadline acquisition, Kulak may need to be sacrificed. Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod have showcased strong performances, whereas Kulak lacks any trade protection. Additionally, substituting 22-year-old Philip Broberg for Kulak would immediately save $2 million against the cap. Broberg has demonstrated his capabilities by logging significant minutes in the AHL and accumulating 14 points in 21 games. He is ready for NHL action. The Oilers have shown willingness to make difficult deadline decisions in the past (e.g., Tyson Barrie) in pursuit of improvement.
Acquired by the Oilers during the 2022 trade deadline in exchange for a 2022 2nd-round pick and defenseman William Lagesson, Kulak has participated in 144 games over the past three years, registering seven goals and 33 points. Notably, his ice time has decreased this season, averaging 14:36 per game compared to 17:31 in the 2022-23 season, during which he amassed 20 points in 82 games.
