Brett Kulak, Edmonton Oilers (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Oilers’ Trade for Brett Kulak Has Paid Off

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Jackson Scherger | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 3:15 PM ET

Aside from the big move for Mattias Ekholm a couple of years ago, the Edmonton Oilers typically stick to the smaller deals at the trade deadline that fill holes in their lineup and add depth. While many of these deadline moves tend to go unnoticed or completely flop, there are a few diamonds in the rough that have paid dividends.

On March 21, 2022, pending unrestricted free agent Brett Kulak was traded from the Montreal Canadiens to the Oilers in exchange for William Lagesson, a 2022 second-round pick and a 2024 seventh-round pick, but he was more than a rental. Kulak joined the Oilers for their playoff run that season, and although they came up short, he was rewarded with a four-year deal that carried a $2.75 million cap hit. It was a good signing, given that Kulak was part of a defensive unit that propelled Edmonton to the Western Conference Final.

Why Kulak Stands Out

The 10-year veteran has made an impact playing for the Oilers. He has scored over 16 points in each of the last three full seasons with the team, not to mention his plus/minus has never dipped below zero. He has seen a carousel of defensive partners go by him on the third pairing, but he has never wavered. The Oilers have been contenders for a few years, and he has been one of the most consistent players on the roster.

Kulak has played his role well. He has been a shutdown blueliner who can also help offensively when called upon. He does this all despite the constant trade rumours. He is a gamer and a perfect fit in a tough media market like Edmonton.

What Came of the Kulak Trade

While it has worked out well for the Oilers, there was a partner in this deal. The Canadiens received three pieces. William Lagesson, a 26-year-old defenseman who had bounced around the NHL, American Hockey League and overseas. He appeared in three games for the Habs before continuing his journey. He was essentially a non-factor in this deal. The 2024 seventh-round pick became Swedish prospect Rasmus Bergqvist. He has yet to appear in an NHL game, so his value in this deal cannot be assessed yet.

However, the second-round pick in 2022 became Lane Hutson, a young offensive defenseman who has stood out in Montreal and is tied with Macklin Celebrini in this season’s rookie scoring race with 42 points. Is it possible a conditional pick became more valuable than a veteran defenseman? If things continue to trend this way, the Habs might accidentally win this trade. Either way, the deal worked out nicely for both sides.

Oilers Looking Ahead

The Oilers gave Kulak an opportunity to compete and be a part of something special when they traded for him. However, management has a decision to make. Kulak is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025-2026 season when he will be 32 years old. The Oilers will have to decide if he has earned another contract, while Kulak will have to weigh his options depending on where the team is at. He tested the open market before signing with Edmonton, but this time, he will be four years older. Still, if he continues this pace of play, offers will come flooding in.

True Oilers fans know that Kulak deserves nothing but the best. He has done the work without nearly as much recognition as some other players. Bringing him to Edmonton has more than paid off.