The Edmonton Oilers might not need to pursue blockbuster trade
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has been on the hunt for a right handed shot top-four defenceman, but the recent play of Brett Kulak may have altered his course of action.
Brett Kulak has slowly emerged into a top-for defenceman for the Edmonton Oilers this season.
Assistant coach Paul Coffey has been rewarding him with with increased ice-time and subtle promotions alongside Darnell Nurse on the second pairing.
With that being said, Kulak's stock has sky-rocketed the past few weeks, playing more than 20+ minutes a game while contributing offensively.
Edmonton Oilers insider Allan Mitchel believes that Brett Kulak's emergence as a top-4 defenceman has changed Bowman's plans to seek out help on the back-end, creating different possibilities for a different dead-line acquisition.
Now, the Edmonton Oilers might not need to purse a blockbuster trade for a top-4 defenceman afterall...
« It might be a case of the Oilers coaching staff convincing Kulak his deployment there could be a key to winning this season. The player general manager Stan Bowman may be looking for right now is already on the roster. «
- Alan Mitchell
- Alan Mitchell
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, a few weeks ago, Kulak's emergence promoted Mitchell to believe the Oilers may instead acquire a quality bottom pair defenceman, instead of a big name top four defender.
»It might be best for management to check down from pursuing a second-pairing solution, looking instead for a lefty blue who can play third pairing with Emberson. «
- Alan Mitchell, the Athletic
- Alan Mitchell, the Athletic
Brett Kulak has surprising speed for a 30 year old. He's been a steady presence on the Oilers back-end all season -- impressing coaches with his shut-down capabilities.
If he continues his stellar play, Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily suggests Stan Bowman could trade for a goaltender, or a left-hand shot bottom-6 defenceman instead.
On a side note, Brett Kulak recently announce he and his wife, Caitlyn Kulak are expecting their second child.
Perhaps some added "dad strength" will help Brett Kulak to continue his impressive performance on the Oilers blue-line.
Perhaps some added "dad strength" will help Brett Kulak to continue his impressive performance on the Oilers blue-line.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 25 | 182 ANSWERS The Edmonton Oilers might not need to pursue blockbuster trade Do you think the Edmonton Oilers still need a top-4 defenceman? | ||
| Yes | 151 | 83 % |
| No | 31 | 17 % |
| List of polls | ||
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