Brett Kulak is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL).
He started his professional career in the ECHL and was later promoted to the American Hockey League (AHL). Kulak made his NHL debut on April 11, 2015.
In January 2023, Kulak signed a 4-year, $11,000,000 contract with the Edmonton Oilers, which included $11,000,000 guaranteed and an average annual salary of $2,750,000.
His cap hit for the 2024-25 season is $2,750,000, with a cash value of $2,500,000.
Siblings
Brett grew up on a family farm near Stony Plain, Alberta, with his parents, Gil and Laura Kulak, and his two older brothers, Tyson and Kyle.
Tyson and Kyle are in the crane business, sometimes in the oil patch. It was Brett who began the hockey craze in the Kulak household.
Career
Kulak’s journey to the NHL began in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Vancouver Giants.
Over four seasons (2010-2014), he developed his skills as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman.
While his offensive numbers weren’t astronomical, he consistently improved each year, demonstrating a growing understanding of the game and solidifying his role as a reliable player.
He amassed 35 goals and 93 assists in his WHL career. This consistent development caught the eye of NHL scouts.
The Calgary Flames selected Kulak in the 4th round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. This marked a crucial step in his professional career.
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After his final season with the Giants, the Flames signed him to an entry-level contract. Like many young players, he started in the minor leagues, gaining valuable experience.
He split time between the ECHL’s Colorado Eagles and the AHL’s Adirondack Flames.
His performance in the AHL showed he was adapting well to the faster, more physical pro game, ultimately earning him his NHL debut with the Flames in April 2015.
He played sparingly for the Flames over the next few seasons, often moving between the NHL and AHL, as he continued to develop.
A significant turning point came when the Flames traded Kulak to the Montreal Canadiens in October 2018.
In Montreal, he found more consistent playing time and began to establish himself as a reliable, defensively sound defenseman.
He wasn’t a flashy offensive player, but his ability to make smart passes, block shots, and play a responsible defensive game made him a valuable asset to the Canadiens.
In March 2022, Kulak was traded to his hometown team, the Edmonton Oilers. This move allowed him to play closer to family and contribute to a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
In Edmonton, he continues to be a steady presence on the blue line, providing stability and allowing the Oilers’ more offensive-minded defensemen to take chances.
He signed a 4-year contract extension with the Oilers in 2023, further cementing his role in the team’s long-term plans.
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