When looking at the Ottawa Senators' blueline this offseason, no major holes emerge. Four spots seem pretty much secure for next season. But that doesn’t mean that the Sens couldn’t use another top-four blueliner.
And there might just be one potentially hitting the market this summer. We’re talking about Brett Kulak.
Kulak had an interesting journey this season. As a solid shutdown defenseman, he was a crucial part of the Edmonton Oilers back-to-back Stanley Cup runs in 2024 and 2025. However, he found himself becoming a cap casualty in December.
The 32-year-old was part of the price the Oilers paid for goaltender Tristan Jarry. So, Kulak ended up with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the bulk of the season. He then joined the Colorado Avalanche at the NHL trade deadline, helping the club reach the Western Conference Final.
At this point, Kulak is set to become a UFA, that is, unless the Avalanche move quickly to re-sign him. There is no real reason why the Avalanche wouldn’t want to re-sign him. But assuming the dollars and cents don't get in the way, Kulak could hit the market.
That’s where the Senators could find themselves a solid, top-four blueliner with a relatively modest cap hit. That situation, however, could be the major sticking point.
How much would it cost for Senators to land Kulak?
Kulak is coming off a four-year, $11 million contract signed with the Oilers in 2022. The deal worked out well for everyone involved, so much so, in fact, that the veteran rearguard will be looking for a raise this summer.
Realistically, salary inflation in the NHL could bring Kulak’s cap hit from $2.75 to about $4 million on a multi-year free-agent deal.
That’s not bad, but it isn’t exactly a cost-effective cap hit. Still, PuckPedia projects the Senators will have nearly $17 million to play with this season. There’s room to fit a contract like Kulak’s in there. Nevertheless, several spots remain in need of filling. That’s why Steve Staios can’t go nuts and splurge on a single deal.
Regardless of the numbers, the Senators would do well to push for a defenseman like Kulak. Very few great, defensive defensemen are projected to hit the market this offseason. As such, making an effort to lure Kulak away from Colorado would be something certainly worthwhile.
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