The Edmonton Oilers, one of the NHL’s top teams, face several challenges, notably concerning their salary cap. While they have a strong roster, their blue line needs improvement, and questions persist about their goaltending. However, a significant issue is their salary cap situation. Currently, the Oilers are approximately $341,000 over the cap, complicating their ability to re-sign restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. This financial pressure may necessitate trading Brett Kulak, despite his solid performance.
Kulak, a 30-year-old defenseman, has been a dependable player for the Oilers since joining them at the 2022 Trade Deadline. He isn’t a flashy player but offers steady defensive play and strong skating abilities, aiding in puck transitions. Kulak’s reliability extends to his health, having played in all 182 regular-season games and 53 playoff games since joining the team. His $2.75 million cap hit, extending through the 2025-26 season, is reasonable.
Kulak’s performance has earned him appreciation from the Oilers’ fan base, which can be harsh on defensemen. Despite his contributions, the Oilers might have to trade him due to their limited alternatives for creating cap space. Cody Ceci, another defenseman, is a less favorable option. Although not as poor a player as some suggest, Ceci’s $3.25 million cap hit makes him difficult to move. The Calgary Flames, for instance, rejected a trade offer involving Ceci and a first-round pick.
Ceci has been placed in a challenging role with the Oilers, often playing above his capacity in a top-four position instead of his ideal third-pairing role. While the team can often compensate for this during the regular season, it becomes problematic in the playoffs. Ceci was even a healthy scratch during the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. Despite having only one year left on his contract, trading Ceci would likely require the Oilers to add another piece, making it an unattractive option for newly-hired general manager Stan Bowman.
Another potential candidate for a trade is Evander Kane. However, moving Kane presents difficulties. While he is a capable top-six forward at his best, recent injury troubles have hampered his performance over the past two seasons. Kane’s $5.125 million cap hit through 2025-26 and his injury history make him less appealing to other teams.
A possible scenario that could avoid trading Kulak involves Kane’s health. If Kane’s injuries force him onto long-term injured reserve, the Oilers would gain cap relief, allowing them to re-sign Broberg and Holloway while staying cap compliant. However, once Kane is fit to return, the Oilers would need to make another move.
Ultimately, the Oilers face a tough decision regarding which player to trade to free up cap space. While fans prefer moving Ceci, Kulak’s salary and performance make him a more attractive trade asset. Trading Kulak would be the easiest way for the Oilers to address their cap issues and secure the necessary funds to sign their young players.
