Quote:
Originally Posted by saillias
Don't think Kulak makes sense. Brad originally traded him away because there wouldn't be much opportunity for him here. That's the same situation he'd be coming back to.
Is there someone they're unhappy with, do they want to scratch Gudbranson or Zadorov? That seems unlikely, both have been very serviceable. Or they want a guy who isn't that good so it's ok to sit him, but they already have Stone. Maybe there's undisclosed injuries but everyone in the D core is playing the best hockey of their careers.
So this is a long winded way of saying I still don't understand why the Flames want more D depth.
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Kulak was a 24 year old 7th defenseman when he was traded to Montreal.
He's now a 28 year old 4-6 D-Man.
With Gudbranson, Zadorov and Stone all being UFA this year, and Kylington needing a new contract, it's unlikely Zad comes back with his price tag or that Stone is re-signed to be a #7. Bringing Kulak back in at the deadline for a long playoff run could be a pre-cursor to him re-signing as a Flame for a bottom pair role at half the cost of Zadorov. I wouldn't be against it at all. If Gudbranson walks as well (hopefully not), then atleast we have an experienced D-Man for the 3rd pair to help bring up a Valimaki or Mackey next year.
Hanifin-Andersson
Kulak-Kylington
Valimaki/Mackey-Tanev
Could be better than
Hanifin-Andersson
Kylington-Tanev
Valimaki/Mackey-Kinvall
Likely won't be overly active in Free Agency with the limited cap space, so it could make sense now, unless of course Kulak is looking for a significant raise.