Oilers veteran defenceman may be on chopping block for early trade next season
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The Edmonton Oilers have a logjam of left shot defenceman on their roster, which may lead to Brett Kulak being moved off the roster next season.
After adding Alec Regula and Atro Leppanen to their defensive depth this season, the Oilers have a logjam of bottom pairing defenceman - which may make Kulak and his $2.75M salary expendable.
Brett Kulak most likely defenceman to be traded to clear space, says one Oilers analyst
Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell took a look at the defensive depth today, and drew the conclusion that Kulak is likely the odd man out if another defenceman emerges as a quality NHL player.
The most vulnerable name? It's probably Brett Kulak, although I don't think anyone wants to see him go. Pushing up from the minors? Alec Regula for sure, maybe Atro Leppanen who is a complete wildcard
- Allan Mitchell
The Oilers already have an extra body on defence with Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher being swapped in and out, so the additions of Regula and Leppanen will create a long depth chart for the Oilers - and perhaps even unnecessarily.
If any of the Oilers depth defenceman shows that they can take a role as a third pairing defenceman, the team could clear Kulak's salary in a trade for a goalie upgrade.
Nobody wants to see Kulak leave after an incredibly strong playoff performance last season, but he's also set to become a UFA next season, and insider Bob Stauffer has hinted the Oilers may not be able to pay his market value.
If any of the Oilers depth defenceman looks good early into next season, Kulak may be the most likely piece to use in a trade.
- Allan Mitchell
The Oilers already have an extra body on defence with Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher being swapped in and out, so the additions of Regula and Leppanen will create a long depth chart for the Oilers - and perhaps even unnecessarily.
If any of the Oilers depth defenceman shows that they can take a role as a third pairing defenceman, the team could clear Kulak's salary in a trade for a goalie upgrade.
Nobody wants to see Kulak leave after an incredibly strong playoff performance last season, but he's also set to become a UFA next season, and insider Bob Stauffer has hinted the Oilers may not be able to pay his market value.
If any of the Oilers depth defenceman looks good early into next season, Kulak may be the most likely piece to use in a trade.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 5 | 452 ANSWERS Oilers veteran defenceman may be on chopping block for early trade next season Do you think the Oilers will trade Brett Kulak? | ||
| Yes | 158 | 35 % |
| No | 294 | 65 % |
| List of polls | ||
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