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Oilers Could Lose a Key Defender After This Season

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 1:02 PM ET

Brett Kulak has been a solid, cheap depth player for the Oilers in the past, but with new deals coming for key blue liners, he may be forced out of the team.

The Edmonton Oilers have been to the Stanley Cup Finals in two straight seasons, and while all the attention goes to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, there are many unsung heroes on those runs.

One of whom is Edmonton native Brett Kulak, who has spent the last four seasons with the team, playing a role anywhere that this team needs on the blue line, and at just $2.75 million a season, he's been the perfect depth piece for them.

Contract Questions Cloud Edmonton's Blue Line

Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman are both up for contract extensions, and with Kulak set to be a free agent in the summer of 2026, there's a chance that he may have to depart the team to find a bigger role elsewhere.

The Oilers defense already has question marks over it, with many believing that they don't have the star power needed to compete, and given what they're paying Darnell Nurse, it could end up costing them Kulak.

Crowded Left Side Creates Uncertain Future for Veteran

While the 31-year old is capable of playing the right side, he's a natural lefty, but with the trio of Ekholm, Nurse and Walman on that side, there's simply going to be no opportunities for him in his natural position in Edmonton.

Sure, the lure of chasing a Stanley Cup with his hometown Oilers may be the only thing that tempts Kulak to remain, but if the team don't get the job done next year, it makes sense if he looks to pursue free agency and a bigger role in the future.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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