Oilers Unlikely to Trade Defenseman, Insider Says

The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly unlikely to trade Brett Kulak for cap relief.

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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.

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.

Kulak had another solid regular season in 2022-23, posting three goals, 20 points, 105 hits, and a plus-11 rating.

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.