Brett Kulak is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his defensive reliability, skating ability, and work ethic, Kulak has carved out a solid NHL career since being drafted in 2012. In this article, we take an in-depth look at his trade history, contracts, career stats, biography, personal life, and more.
Who Is Brett Kulak? (Bio & Early Life)
Brett Kulak was born on January 6, 1994, in Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada. He grew up on a farm with his parents Gil and Laura Kulak and his older brothers, where he learned the values of hard work and dedication from a young age.
Kulak’s hockey journey began in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Vancouver Giants, where he played four seasons and attracted NHL attention for his all-around game. He was eventually selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.
NHL Career & Trade Timeline
Calgary Flames (2013–2018)
Kulak began his professional career within the Flames organization after signing his entry-level contract in March 2014. He made his NHL debut in April 2015 and split time between the NHL and AHL, gradually earning a regular role with Calgary.
Trade to Montréal Canadiens (2018)
On October 1, 2018, the Flames traded Kulak to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defensemen Rinat Valiev and Matt Taormina. This move marked a turning point as Kulak became a regular on Montreal’s blue line.
Trade to Edmonton Oilers (2022)
In March 2022, Kulak was traded from the Canadiens to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for William Lagesson and draft assets, including a conditional second-round pick. The Canadiens retained 50% of his salary for the remainder of that season.
Trade to Pittsburgh Penguins (2025)
Most recently, on December 12, 2025, Kulak was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with goaltender Stuart Skinner and a 2029 second-round pick, in exchange for goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin.
Contract History & Financial Overview
Throughout his NHL tenure, Brett Kulak has signed multiple significant contracts:
Calgary Flames Entry-Level Contracts
• 2014 – Signed a 3-year entry-level contract worth approximately $2.45 million.
• 2017 – Re-signed on a one-year, two-way deal valued at $650,000.
Montreal Canadiens Contract
• 2019 – Kulak agreed to a 3-year contract with Montreal worth $5.55 million total (average $1.85 M per year).
Edmonton Oilers / Pittsburgh Contract
• 2022 – Kulak signed a 4-year, $11 million contract with Edmonton, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $2.75 M. This deal runs through the 2025-26 season and will make him an unrestricted free agent after it expires.
Career NHL Stats (Regular Season)
Kulak’s NHL career stats reflect his role as a dependable defenseman rather than a high-scoring star. According to official stats:
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Games Played: Over 600
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Goals: 28
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Assists: Nearly 100
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Total Points: 127
His contributions often come in the form of strong defensive play, shot blocks, transitions, and penalty killing—attributes that go beyond numbers on the scoresheet.
Personal Life: Wife & Kids
Off the ice, Brett Kulak is a family man. He married Caitlin Derek on July 14, 2021, with the couple holding their wedding in Canmore, Alberta after postponements.
The duo have two daughters, Ryleigh and Scotlyn, with Ryleigh born on May 13, 2022. Kulak’s commitment to his family has made headlines, such as when he balanced travel between games and his child’s birth during a playoff run.
Legacy & Impact
Brett Kulak’s journey from small-town Alberta to the NHL highlights persistence, adaptability, and team first mentality. Whether anchoring defense, mentoring younger teammates, or balancing life off the ice, Kulak’s reputation as a reliable defenseman remains strong.
As he enters free agency after the 2025-26 season, Kulak’s value as a veteran presence and dependable blue-liner is likely to attract interest from teams looking for experience and steady play.
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