Brett Kulak
Someone that the Hurricanes organization has been linked with for a long time is depth defenseman, Brett Kulak. Being a depth defenseman, he’s not someone that traditionally gets a lot of love when it comes to the major trade rumors and fans specifically, but Kulak is a defenseman capable of locking down the 3rd pairing and eating up minutes without leaking goals.
We know that the Hurricanes are looking for a depth defenseman and the Edmonton native could be a cheap and affordable option for the organization. Kulak makes $1.85 million until the end of the season. A cap hit the Hurricanes could take on in full, someone like Kulak could be a very handy fit for the blueline, especially as a depth defenseman that can play either side. Flexibility in the playoffs goes a long way.
At 6’2, 190 lbs, there are bigger men on the market than the Canadiens player. However, Kulak is solid defensively, good in transition, and knows what to do when the puck is on his stick offensively. He’s not going to make highlight reels in either zone, and that’s ideal for a third pairing defender. Solid in both zones, cost-effective, and genuine NHL caliber depth piece. They’re difficult to come across.
Don Waddell has said publicly that there’s no such thing as having too many NHL-caliber defensemen so they’re clearly looking to continue to add to the backend wherever possible if the price is right. Kulak very well might be a player that this applies to. You’re likely not going to need to part with more than a couple of mid-round entry-draft picks to land this player with Montreal eating half his deal, and if that can be arranged, it’s well worth it.