Smart Move From Coach Knoblauch to Fix Defence May Change Edmonton Oilers Trade Plans

Brett Kulak has regularly been elevated to the second pairing by Coach Knoblauch, playing over 20 minutes of ice each game this month - and he's been fantastic.

Oilers analyst Alan Mitchell believes Kulak could be the team's ideal top four defenceman, which could open up possibilities for the Oilers to trade for a goaltender or a forward as well.

This isn't the first time now that it's been suggested Kulak could handle a top four role, which could change the Oilers trade plans.

A few weeks ago, Kulak's emergence promoted Mitchell to believe the Oilers may instead acquire a quality bottom pair defenceman, instead of a big name top four defender.

The Oilers entered the season only positive that Ekholm, Bouchard, and Nurse would handle the top four roles, but the veteran Kulak has proven so far that he can handle the increased ice.

He's got surprising speed for a 30 year old defender, which allows him to quickly close gaps and get into position at the right times.

Kulak is fantastic with his on-ice awareness and ability to pick up the weak areas of his defence partner - a true defenceman that's always aware of any gaps in coverage. The Oilers should continue to give him the increased ice, and if he handles it well, it could free up the Oilers trade plans significantly.

Edmonton could trade for an established defender for their bottom pairing, but perhaps at a cheaper salary than a top four. With the cap saving, perhaps the Oilers target an addition elsewhere on the roster, like a goaltending tandem with Mackenzie Blackwood from the San Jose Sharks.

We'll see how it unfolds for the rest of the season, but it's great to see the Stony Plain native step up to play the best hockey of his career when the Oilers needed it the most.