Brett Kulak’s NHL journey is one of resilience and steady growth. From his early days in the WHL to becoming a trusted NHL defenseman, he has carved out a successful career through hard work and determination
His impact on the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, and now the Edmonton Oilers highlights his ability to adapt and excel at the highest level.
Brett Kulak’s four-year, $11,000,000 contract is a solid deal for both the player and the Edmonton Oilers. The contract provides stability for the team while ensuring financial security for Kulak.
Given his consistent defensive contributions and affordable cap hit, the contract is a win-win situation for both parties.
With Kulak continuing to play a crucial role in the Oilers’ defense, his contract remains a valuable asset as the team pushes for deep playoff runs in the coming seasons.
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Table of Contents
Brett Kulak: Who Is He?
A Steady Force on the Blue Line
Brett Kulak was born on January 6, 1994, in Stony Plain, Alberta, where his love for hockey took root at an early age.1
Like many Canadian youngsters, he spent his childhood on the ice, refining his skills and dreaming of making it to the National Hockey League (NHL).
Kulak played his junior hockey with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he developed into a reliable defenseman.
His strong skating ability, defensive awareness, and offensive instincts made him a standout player, leading to his selection by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Early Life and Hockey Beginnings
Kulak made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames in April 2015 after a successful stint with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Adirondack Flames.
His debut was a significant milestone, marking his transition from a promising junior player to a professional athlete in the world’s most competitive hockey league.
Despite his early appearances, Kulak spent most of his time developing in the AHL, playing for both the Adirondack Flames and later the Stockton Heat. He continued to refine his game, demonstrating a strong two-way presence and earning call-ups to the NHL.
The 2017-18 season was a breakthrough for Kulak as he secured a full-time role with the Flames. He played in 71 games that season, recording 2 goals and 6 assists. While not known for his offensive production, Kulak’s consistency on the defensive end made him a valuable asset.
However, despite establishing himself as a reliable depth defenseman, his tenure with the Flames came to an end when he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in October 2018 in exchange for Matt Taormina and Rinat Valiev.
Brett Kulak: Career
Transition to the Montreal Canadiens
Kulak’s arrival in Montreal marked a new chapter in his career. Initially assigned to the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, he didn’t stay in the minors for long.2
An injury to Canadiens defenseman Noah Juulsen created an opportunity for Kulak, and he seized it with determination. He was recalled to the NHL lineup and quickly proved his worth. His steady defensive play, combined with his ability to contribute offensively, earned him a regular spot in the Canadiens’ defensive rotation.
One of his most memorable early moments with Montreal came on January 12, 2019, when he scored his first game-winning goal in a 3-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.
The performance solidified his role on the team, and later that year, he was rewarded with a three-year contract extension worth $1.85 million. Kulak continued to serve as a dependable third-pairing defenseman for the Canadiens over the next few seasons.
A Key Contributor to Montreal’s Playoff Run
During the 2020-21 season, Kulak played an integral role in Montreal’s remarkable playoff run. The Canadiens defied expectations by advancing to the Stanley Cup Final, their first appearance since 1993.
Kulak’s steady presence on the blue line helped the team navigate through a tough postseason, where they defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Vegas Golden Knights before falling to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the final series.
While he wasn’t the flashiest player on the roster, his reliability and adaptability made him a crucial part of Montreal’s defense.
Trade to the Edmonton Oilers
In March 2022, the Canadiens traded Kulak to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defenseman William Lagesson, a conditional second-round pick, and a seventh-round pick.
The trade allowed Kulak to return to his home province of Alberta, joining an Oilers team eager to strengthen its defensive depth. The move was well-received by both fans and analysts, as Kulak’s skill set fit well with the Oilers’ needs.
Upon arriving in Edmonton, Kulak quickly integrated into the team’s system. He provided much-needed stability to the Oilers’ defensive core, helping the team secure a playoff spot.
His presence was especially valuable during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where the Oilers advanced to the Western Conference Finals before being eliminated by the Colorado Avalanche. Kulak’s strong defensive play and ability to transition the puck effectively were key factors in the Oilers’ postseason success.
Securing His Future in Edmonton
Recognizing Kulak’s contributions, the Oilers signed him to a four-year contract extension in July 2022. The deal, worth $11 million, demonstrated the team’s confidence in his abilities and commitment to keeping him as a foundational piece of their defensive unit.
With this contract, Kulak solidified his role in Edmonton’s long-term plans, ensuring he would continue playing in front of his home province’s fans.
Since re-signing with the Oilers, Kulak has remained a reliable presence on the team’s blue line. His ability to play in various defensive roles, whether on a shutdown pairing or in a more mobile, puck-moving capacity, has made him an essential asset.
While not the most high-profile name on the roster, Kulak’s work ethic and consistency continue to earn him respect from teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Brett Kulak: Strengths and Playing Style
Kulak’s playing style is characterized by his strong skating ability, positional awareness, and defensive reliability.3
While he isn’t known for putting up high offensive numbers, his ability to contribute timely plays and transition the puck effectively makes him a valuable piece on any defensive unit.
His versatility allows him to adapt to different defensive pairings and systems, making him a coach’s favorite.
One of Kulak’s key strengths is his skating, which allows him to keep up with fast-paced opponents and maintain strong defensive coverage.
His ability to make smart plays under pressure ensures that he remains effective in high-intensity situations.
Additionally, his composure and disciplined approach to the game help minimize mistakes, making him a dependable option in critical moments.
Leadership and Off-Ice Impact
Beyond his on-ice contributions, Kulak is known for his professionalism and positive influence in the locker room.
His work ethic and commitment to improvement set an example for younger players, while his calm demeanor makes him a steadying presence among teammates.
Kulak has also been involved in community initiatives, particularly in his home province of Alberta. Whether participating in team outreach programs or supporting charitable causes, he remains connected to the communities he represents. His dedication to giving back adds another layer to his value as a professional athlete.
As Kulak continues his career with the Edmonton Oilers, his role remains as vital as ever. With the Oilers aiming to contend for a Stanley Cup, his steady defensive play will be crucial in their pursuit of success.
As long as he maintains his high level of consistency and adaptability, he will continue to be a valuable asset to the team.
At 30 years old, Kulak still has several productive seasons ahead of him. Whether in Edmonton or elsewhere, his reputation as a reliable defenseman ensures that he will remain a sought-after player in the NHL.
His journey from a fourth-round draft pick to an established NHL veteran is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and love for the game.
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Brett Kulak’s Contract: Comprehensive Analysis
Brett Kulak, a steady and reliable defenseman in the NHL, signed a four-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers worth $11,000,000.
This deal, which runs through the 2025-26 season, guarantees Kulak the full amount with an average annual salary of $2,750,000.
Below, we break down the key details of his contract, salary implications, and his contract history over the years.
This structure ensures financial stability for both the team and the player, with a consistent cap hit throughout the contract duration.
For the 2023-24 season, Brett Kulak will take home a base salary of $3,000,000, while carrying a cap hit of $2,750,000. Notably, his contract does not include a signing bonus, which means his earnings are spread evenly across the season without any lump-sum payments at the beginning of the contract.
How Much Does Brett Kulak Make Per Minute?
When breaking down his earnings further, Brett Kulak’s salary equates to:
- Per Year: $2,750,000
- Per Month: Approximately $229,167
- Per Week: Approximately $52,885
- Per Day: Approximately $7,555
- Per Hour: Approximately $315
- Per Minute: Approximately $5.26
This calculation demonstrates the financial rewards of playing in the NHL at an elite level, where even a few minutes on the ice contribute to a significant paycheck.
What Are the Terms of Brett Kulak’s Contract?
Brett Kulak’s current contract with the Edmonton Oilers is a four-year agreement worth $11,000,000. The key terms include:
- Duration: Four years (2022-23 to 2025-26)
- Total Value: $11,000,000
- Guaranteed Money: $11,000,000
- Average Annual Value (AAV): $2,750,000 per season
- No Signing Bonus: All earnings are spread evenly across the contract.
There are no performance-based incentives or additional clauses tied to this contract, meaning his pay remains consistent throughout the duration.
Brett Kulak’s contract is fully guaranteed, meaning he will receive the full $11,000,000 regardless of performance, injuries, or team changes. This provides him with financial security and stability throughout the contract’s duration.
Brett Kulak’s Contract History
Brett Kulak’s journey to his current contract has been marked by steady growth and strategic contract negotiations. His contract history includes:
- 2014-2017: Entry-Level Contract with the Calgary Flames
- Three-year deal worth $2,450,000
- Included a $245,000 signing bonus
- 2017-18: One-Year Contract with the Flames
- Signed a one-year contract worth $650,000
- 2018-19: Another One-Year Deal with Calgary
- Earned $900,000 in his final year with the Flames
- 2019-21: Three-Year Deal with the Montreal Canadiens
- Signed a $5,550,000 contract
- Average annual salary of $1,850,000
- 2022-Present: Four-Year Contract with Edmonton Oilers
- Currently playing under a $11,000,000 contract
Each contract has progressively increased in value, reflecting Kulak’s growth and consistency as a defenseman in the NHL.
Brett Kulak’s Value to the Edmonton Oilers
Brett Kulak is known for his defensive stability and ability to transition the puck efficiently. His role with the Oilers includes:
- Providing reliable defensive coverage
- Playing significant minutes on the penalty kill
- Supporting puck-moving transitions
- Offering veteran leadership and experience
For a team looking to balance its roster with cost-effective contracts, Kulak’s deal provides good value in terms of skillset and salary cap considerations.
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How Does Kulak’s Contract Compare to Similar NHL Players?
Kulak’s contract falls within the mid-range salary for second or third-pairing defensemen in the NHL. Some comparable contracts include:
- Joel Edmundson (Washington Capitals)
- 4 years, $14,000,000 ($3,500,000 AAV)
- Dmitry Kulikov (Florida Panthers)
- 2 years, $4,500,000 ($2,250,000 AAV)
- Justin Braun (Philadelphia Flyers, now retired)
- 2 years, $3,600,000 ($1,800,000 AAV)
Compared to these players, Kulak’s deal is fair given his performance and role within the Oilers’ defensive lineup.
Future Implications of Brett Kulak’s Contract
Kulak’s contract runs until the 2025-26 season, meaning he will be a UFA (unrestricted free agent) at age 32. Possible scenarios include:
- Staying with the Oilers: If he continues to perform well, the Oilers might extend his contract or offer a short-term extension.
- Testing Free Agency: If the Oilers opt to move in another direction, Kulak could explore offers from other NHL teams.
- Trade Possibility: His cap-friendly contract could make him an attractive trade asset if the Oilers seek to restructure their roster.
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