Originally from Edmonton, former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Brett Kulak may have weighed the options when the free agent market opened up, but the opportunity to stay with his boyhood team long-term charmed him. .
Traded to the Oilers for William Lagesson and two draft picks by Kent Hughes at the latest trade deadline, Kulak agreed to a new four-year deal worth $2.75 million a year this summer.
Kulak had shown great things until the Stanley Cup final with the Habs in 2021, then until the Western final with the Oilers last spring. Thus, the offers were present on the table, but that of the Alberta team stood out.
“You might only have one opportunity to test the free agent market [en carrière], philosophized Kulak, according to the official Oilers website. In this situation, I said to myself: “let’s see how it goes”. There were some things on the table, but the balance of things I was hoping to achieve [était] in Edmonton. It was an obvious decision to settle here with my wife.”
In line
Among the elements that convinced Kulak, there is continuity. Besides the retirement of Duncan Keith and the arrival of goaltender Jake Campbell, all the elements that allowed the Oilers to go to the third round of the playoffs are still in place.
The back also liked the reception he was able to enjoy following the transaction. He is also very happy with the contract extension offered to head coach Jay Woodcroft which means a lot of stability in the game system.
“It’s always a good feeling to know when I arrive at training camp that I know the system already in place and the style of game that we want to play,” he said. At the beginning of the year, we know the expectations. We know where we’ve been this year and it’s good when you keep the guys on the team.”
To his favorite
The 28-year-old Kulak had his best season in 2021-22 with five goals and 21 points. He also proved to be an excellent defender in his own zone. And in his eyes, he is just reaching the peak of his career.
“I’m 28 and I feel like I’m entering my prime physically and mentally,” he said. I feel like I really found my game here.”
“At this point I want to have the opportunity to play a big part in a team, that’s where you have the most fun – when you play big minutes and really contribute to the success of a team.”
