EDMONTON | With Chris Wideman’s contract extension and management’s desire to make room for Justin Barron, Kaiden Guhle and Jordan Harris, might Kent Hughes bring Brett Kulak back into the Canadian fold?
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The 28-year-old defenseman, whom the Habs general manager sent to the Oilers in return for William Lagesson, a second-round pick in 2022 and seventh-round pick in 2024, will become free as the air at the opener of the free agent market.
When met by the representative of the Montreal Journalon the sidelines of the Oilers’ end-of-season report, the Albertan stressed that it should not be surprising to see him once more in the blue-white-red uniform.
Everything is possible
“There is definitely a chance that I will be seen once more in Montreal, he maintained during a discussion held in a corridor of Rogers Place. I will definitely think regarding it. I loved my time with the Canadiens. From day one, I was treated with class. I felt really special to be part of this organization. »
If Hughes chooses to woo Kulak, he would find a slightly more experienced defender than the one he traded on March 21. During his time with the Oilers, Kulak earned a shorthanded role.
In the playoffs, Jay Woodcroft gave him a regular position on his second unit, an aspect of the game he rarely had the opportunity to taste in Montreal.
“I just spoke to the coaches and the general manager. I thanked them for giving me these opportunities. They probably gave me more than I had ever had so far in my career, said Kulak, always friendly. Getting outnumbered playing time and more specific missions helps you improve your game. I feel like I’ve grown a lot. »
Strong ties
Although he was busy helping the Oilers qualify for the playoffs, which they managed to do in their 78th game of the season, Kulak kept tabs on what was going on with his former team. .
“Want, don’t, you bond with your teammates over the years, so you’re always interested in what they’re going through,” he said.
“This organization is definitely heading in the right direction. I had time to meet the new management [avant la transaction]. Marty [St-Louis]Kent [Hughes]Jeff [Gorton] are very savvy hockey men. They have already brought big changes to the team. I think they will do a great job,” Kulak continued, in the same breath.
Except that the Canadian still risks suffering martyrdom next season. Mind you, that didn’t stop Wideman from signing a two-year extension with the team.
The Oilers: a pride
As for Kulak, one wonders if there is still room for him in Edmonton. Ken Holland must sign new contracts to Jesse Puljujarvi and Kailer Yamamoto.
Perhaps he will also try to retain the services of Evander Kane? And he would have to be limited rare not to try to get his hands on a number one goalkeeper worthy of this qualifier.
Which leaves very little room for Kulak.
If the association with his childhood team were to end here, Kulak would only have fond memories of it.
“When I was traded here, I was excited. Excited to play in front of several family and friends who are ardent Oilers fans. At each match, a few of them came to see me, he said. To put on that jersey, to fight with pride to win games for the Oilers and win two playoff rounds, it was fantastic. »
