Oilers reportedly closing in on 6 year contract extension, may lose one defender next year
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly closing in on a 6 year contract for defenceman Jake Walman, but may not be able to afford Brett Kulak on a new contract.
The Oilers are stacked with left-handed defenceman also including Mattias Ekholm and Darnell Nurse, so they may want to add a new right-handed blueliner. But they also may not be able to fit Brett Kulak's new deal under the salary cap.
Oilers insider reveals team is closing in on 6 year contract for Walman, may lose Brett Kulak
On the most recent edition of the Real Kyper and Bourne Show, insider Jason Gregor revealed the team's position I negotiations with the two defenceman.
I think Jake Wallman is very close to signing a contract with the Edmonton Orders. I could see it being closer to like a six year deal for him. And then Brett Kulak is the interesting one because he's a very steady player.
I think they'd like, you know, he's from Stony Plain, just outside Edmonton. He's very well liked in the room. He's like, he's a really good third pair defenseman, right?
I think they would like to re-sign him. But it just comes down to, can you get everybody signed?»
- Jason Gregor
I think they'd like, you know, he's from Stony Plain, just outside Edmonton. He's very well liked in the room. He's like, he's a really good third pair defenseman, right?
I think they would like to re-sign him. But it just comes down to, can you get everybody signed?»
- Jason Gregor
It's great to hear the Oilers are making progress on a Walman contract after he seamlessly fit into the lineup last season. He's primed for a breakout year in Edmonton, and locking him up now looks like a smart move by management. However, it'll come at the cost of losing another solid blueliner.
Kulak has been an incredible player for the Oilers for 4 seasons, is an Alberta native, and is still just 31 years old. He's used primarily in a third pairing role on the Oilers, but has the ability to move up the lineup.
Simply put, he'll likely be made an offer by another team for more money and ice time than the Oilers will be able to match. If he doesn't leave in free agency, the Oilers could trade him earlier to recoup assets.
General Manager Stan Bowman will likely be busy in the final 2 weeks heading up to the regular season to finalize this contract extension - and also negotiate with Connor McDavid.
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