I know Kulak has played well but is he ready for a full-time job? If Russell can be signed cheaply, what's the harm? He will almost certainly be more valuable to this team than Kulak. As per Kulak's development, I don't think Kulak is too good for the AHL. Another year in the AHL wouldn't be a waste.
Next year is a lot more wide open for young defensemen to make the Flames. Engelland, Smid, and Wideman come off the books. Giordano, Brodie, Hamilton, and Jokipakka are the only "guaranteed" spots, and Jokipakka could be taken for the expansion draft if he has a good year.
That leaves Kulak, Anderssen, Kylington, and Morrison competing for those spots with potential UFA's.
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