Oilers reportedly pushing to sign another contract extension with veteran defender

The Oilers announced a contract for Mattias Ekholm this morning after also signing Jake Walman and Connor McDavid the day before. Now, they're looking at another defender extension with Brett Kulak.

According to new reports from TSN insider Ryan Rishaug, the Oilers have had contract discussions with Brett Kulak in the last few days.

Rishaug also noted that Kulak may be poised to test the free agent market, but that he also wants to win in Edmonton.

Now 31 years old, Kulak is a certified NHL veteran with 580 games of experience and a history of elevating his game in the playoffs. He's been a phenomenal third pairing defenceman for the Oilers, and he may be ready to see an increased role.

Simply put, the Oilers can't match the offers of ice time and salary that another team could in free agency. Kulak may be departing the team.

The Oilers could keep him on board throughout the season as an own-rental, keeping him in his shutdown third pairing role. Next season, they'll have some more replacement candidates coming up - like Atro Leppanen.

A tough decision may be incoming to overpay for Kulak in the third pairing role, or to let him walk in free agency.

The Oilers are fortunate to have an incredibly deep defensive group this season with Kulak still on the team, and they should make the most of it in the playoffs.