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NHL trade rumors: Top insider names Edmonton Oilers' Brett Kulak and $13,000,000 D-man as targets to facilitate deals
The Edmonton Oilers have made a handful of signings this offseason but are not done bolstering their lineup, according to NHL insider David Pagnotta.
On the Hello Hockey Show, Pagnotta discussed the Edmonton Oilers' search for a defenseman. He mentioned that the team is looking to acquire a player who can serve as a second-pair defenseman, specifically a four or five in the lineup.
According to Pagnotta, Brett Kulak and Cody Ceci are being considered in trade discussions. Kulak is on a four-year $11,000,000 contract with the Oilers, which lasts until the end of the 2025-26 season. Ceci, meanwhile, will enter the final year of his $13,000,000 million four-year contract in 2024-25.
"If they can get a player capable of being a second-pair guy, a four-five defenseman, I think that's what they'd like to do.
“We're hearing Kulak and Ceci's names out there. I think it’s due diligence on management's part to just see what else is out there and what options may be available to them,” he added.
Fans disapprove of Edmonton Oilers potentially trading away Brett Kulak
The idea of potentially trading Kulak to bring in reinforcements and handle cap constraints did not sit well with fans online. They were quick to let their opinions known in the comments.
Following are some fan reactions from X/Twitter:
“Kulak would be the guy not to trade. Solid stay at home defenceman.”
“Kulak is a 4/5 guy… What the hell is he talking about? 😂,” quipped one fan.
“Kulak is a value contract, I wonder if a deal with the Avs would work, they need cap and Manson might be avail. Oilers pay for a 3rd party broker. Avs get a reliable D with $2 mil to spend elsewhere. Oilers get a top 4 RD, Broberg fills his spot and they get an extra $600K,” wrote another user.
Fans urged the Oilers to keep the 30-year-old defenseman in Edmonton over Cody Ceci. They pointed out that Kulak will only be making $2.75 million per annum according to his current contract.
“Would prefer they move Ceci in his UFA year rather than Kulak who's got a team-friendly AAV ($2.75M).”
“Move Ceci all day over Kulak, but harder to acquire a RHD. JJ has worked some other magic this off-season though, so who knows,” wrote one fan.
“Trading kulak for a 4/5 guy would just be his replacement no?” quipped another fan.
The Oilers signed Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year, $8 million deal and Jeff Skinner to a one-year, $3 million contract on the first day of free agency. They also re-signed key players like Adam Henrique, Corey Perry, Connor Brown, Mattias Janmark, and Troy Stecher this offseason.
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