The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly unlikely to trade Brett Kulak for cap relief.
The Edmonton Oilers have limited cap space, and two key restricted free agents (RFA) in Evan Bouchard and Ryan McLeod. They also have been looking to add another right-shot defenseman, so many have wondered if they will move out salary. Brett Kulak is one player who has been discussed as a possible trade candidate, but according to Mark Spector, it is unlikely that the Oilers will move him.
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Spector wrote that it would be risky to trade a proven NHL defenseman like Kulak and replace him with "a kid who has never done it before." He also noted that Kulak will be a fine option for their bottom pairing and that their top four needs to improve, whether that be through their play or making an addition elsewhere.
Kulak will carry a $2.75 million cap hit until the completion of the 2025-26 season. Although moving out that kind of money would benefit the Oilers' cap situation, it would also create a clear hole in their lineup.
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Kulak had another solid regular season in 2022-23, posting three goals, 20 points, 105 hits, and a plus-11 rating.
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We will need to wait and see if the Oilers make a move to free up cap space before the summer is over, but don't expect Kulak to be dealt.
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