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

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Liam McCormick
November 24, 2024 (5:33 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers entered this season under the assumption they'd need to trade for a top four defenceman, but the play of Brett Kulak may be changing Stan Bowman's priorities for the trade deadline.

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.

« It might be a case of the Oilers coaching staff convincing Kulak his deployment there could be a key to winning this season. The player general manager Stan Bowman may be looking for right now is already on the roster. «
- Alan Mitchell

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.

»It might be best for management to check down from pursuing a second-pairing solution, looking instead for a lefty blue who can play third pairing with Emberson. «
- Alan Mitchell, the Athletic

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.