[Trade] Kulak to the Habs for Rinat Valiev and Matt Taormina

[Itse]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

Say he got a cup of coffee at the NHL level and plays just 2 games (like with the habs) he makes 7,926 a game at the NHL level (650000 / 82 ) two games at the NHL level would net him around 15K which would give him 95K for the year. 105K is a guarentee whether he plays a couple of games at the NHL or no games at the NHL this year so kinda of like a bonus for sure. The flames probabaly expressed their intent going forward and the extra 25K guarenteed whether he’s called up this year or not is a pretty good add in by the Flames.

Hmm. That also means, for the first three games, playing him in the NHL is essentially free.

That's a clever contract structure for a depth player.

[sureLoss]

Bump.

Habs have called up Kulak from the AHL where he put up 3g 8a in 19 games

[thymebalm]

Taormina and Valiev are basically just warm bodies on the backend in Stockton. Beyond Kylington, they are pretty weak prospect wise. I don’t understand why Kulak was traded to be honest. He was cheap and effective. I find it hard to believe that contract talks soured the relationship.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by thymebalm

Taormina and Valiev are basically just warm bodies on the backend in Stockton. Beyond Kylington, they are pretty weak prospect wise. I don’t understand why Kulak was traded to be honest. He was cheap and effective. I find it hard to believe that contract talks soured the relationship.

Left side:

Giordano
Hanifin
Valimaki
Kylington

Kulak wasn't in the plans, so they moved him to a team where he'll get a chance to play. I mean, sure, you could keep him in Stockton in case of injuries, but I like Kylington better, personally. And I also like that the organization will give guys opportunities elsewhere.

We have Stone munching popcorn... what would we do with Kulak?

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by thymebalm

Taormina and Valiev are basically just warm bodies on the backend in Stockton. Beyond Kylington, they are pretty weak prospect wise. I don’t understand why Kulak was traded to be honest. He was cheap and effective. I find it hard to believe that contract talks soured the relationship.

Courtesy to the player, I imagine. Kulak was looking at being passed on the depth chart and they could give him a chance elsewhere

[868904]

Originally Posted by thymebalm

Taormina and Valiev are basically just warm bodies on the backend in Stockton. Beyond Kylington, they are pretty weak prospect wise. I don’t understand why Kulak was traded to be honest. He was cheap and effective. I find it hard to believe that contract talks soured the relationship.

Both Treliving and Kulak were pretty clear that their relationship is good and that the trade was a favour to Kulak so that he could play in the NHL.

Might not be the best in terms of asset management, but the organization and Treliving to get goodwill out of moves like this.

[dammage79]

Valiev's not putting up points but he is a -1 which seems passable. i don't know, he's still only 23. plenty of time to see what we got.

[Funkhouser]

Bump

https://montrealgazette.com/sports/h...-is-on-the-ice

I haven't watched to validate the eye test, but this article praises Kulak's impact on the Habs defense from an analytical stance.

I realize he was traded almost as a favour to the player, getting him well-deserved ice-time in the big league, but he would look great on the Flames as depth going into the playoffs rather than acquiring someone from another team...

[LWcrowfoot]

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

I realize he was traded almost as a favour to the player, getting him well-deserved ice-time in the big league, but he would look great on the Flames as depth going into the playoffs rather than acquiring someone from another team...

You're not wrong, depth is always great for the playoffs especially on the blue line but it's not feasible to carry that many blue liners throughout the regular season.

Healthy Flames lineup Kulak is behind what. nine other defensemen? At best seven?

[FBI]

Also Looking at the Canadians, Kenny Agostino is on their roster with 11 points in 29 games, nice!

[Enoch Root]

Yes, he would look good as depth for the playoffs. And he would probably be in the lineup right now.

But if he were still on the team, Kylington probably doesn't get this opportunity. And I would rather see Kylington in the lineup.

As for depth in the playoffs, assuming everyone is healthy to start, the left side would be:

Giordano
Hanifin
Valimaki
Kulak
Kylington

As long as Valimaki is good to go, we're fine. If not, there will be some seller's remorse.

[Strange Brew]

Well let's see if Treliving acquires a left side D for the stretch run and playoffs. Then we can compare that player vs. Kulak and the relative acquisition costs. It will be interesting.

Pleasantries aside, I personally believe the Flames just weren't sold on Kulak and weren't comfortable with him even as depth. They like Prout better.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by FBI

Also Looking at the Canadians, Kenny Agostino is on their roster with 11 points in 29 games, nice!

Just got a game for a bad hit - not sure if the league looked at it.

[thymebalm]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Well let's see if Treliving acquires a left side D for the stretch run and playoffs. Then we can compare that player vs. Kulak and the relative acquisition costs. It will be interesting.

Pleasantries aside, I personally believe the Flames just weren't sold on Kulak and weren't comfortable with him even as depth. They like Prout better.

It’s more about contract flexibility and what kind of persona Treliving wants to embody as a GM. He loves his flexibility. Kulaks waiver status and growing contract demands were enough for Treliving to split that stock in two. He’s made this kind of business move before.

Treliving has painted himself into a corner with waivers before, he’s unlikely to repeat that mistake if avoidable.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by thymebalm

It’s more about contract flexibility and what kind of persona Treliving wants to embody as a GM. He loves his flexibility. Kulaks waiver status and growing contract demands were enough for Treliving to split that stock in two. He’s made this kind of business move before.

Treliving has painted himself into a corner with waivers before, he’s unlikely to repeat that mistake if avoidable.

Good point although I didn't really think Kulak was much of a threat to be claimed off waivers. In fact didn't he already clear at least once with Flames?

[thymebalm]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Good point although I didn't really think Kulak was much of a threat to be claimed off waivers. In fact didn't he already clear at least once with Flames?

He cleared 3 times I think. But that window of being able to sneak him through waivers was rapidly closing. You can be sure Montreal loses him if they tried today.

[Dan403]

Kulak wasn't that good.

Quit pining for lost loves.

[Geeoff]

I like Kulak but the players that replaced him in the line-up have much more upside. Well I like him more than Dalton Prout but I guess Prout has a role that Kulak can't serve

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by Dan403

Kulak wasn't that good.

Quit pining for lost loves.

Especially Brett Kulak.

Byron was one thing. Byron had electric moments at both ends of the rink. I'll never forget him sneaking up to pickpocket Joe Thornton, and he was always a threat to score on the PK.

Does Brett Kulak have a single memorable moment in his NHL career? I don't know that he does. I'm happy he's up with the Habs, but I don't miss him and I'm glad we got two pieces back for our trouble.

[neo45]

It’s probably good to do something nice for a player’s career after waiving him multiple times and I assume downplaying all of his abilities in arbitration.

He had no role here and wasn’t worth anything in a trade. This at least did the player a solid and saved money. Good for Kulak that he is playing in Montreal