Can Kulak Play Top-4 For Oilers? Coach Thoughts

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Post on Nov 08, 2024

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Can Kulak Play Top-4 for the Oilers? Coach Thoughts and What We Know

The Edmonton Oilers have been searching for a solid top-4 defenseman for what feels like forever. The team’s success hinges on having that reliable blueliner who can shut down opposing offenses and help the Oilers’ stars shine. Is Evan Kulak the answer?

The Oilers acquired Kulak from the Washington Capitals in a trade that saw them give up a 2025 4th round pick. So far, Kulak’s time with the Oilers has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but also struggled with consistency. And that’s where the real question lies: can he be that top-4 guy the Oilers need?

Coach's Perspective on Kulak's Performance

Coach Jay Woodcroft has been impressed with Kulak’s willingness to learn and adapt. He’s also praised Kulak’s offensive contributions, calling him a “threat” on the power play.

“He’s a really good skater and puck-mover,” Woodcroft said. “He’s done a good job of reading the play and making smart decisions with the puck. I think his offensive upside is something we’re really going to benefit from.”

But Woodcroft is not blind to Kulak’s weaknesses. He’s said that Kulak needs to be more consistent in his defensive play, especially against the top competition.

“He’s still a young player,” Woodcroft added. “He’s got some things to learn defensively, but he’s got all the tools to be a really good player in this league.”

The Data Tells a Mixed Story

Looking at the stats, Kulak’s performance is a bit of a mixed bag. He’s not a big hitter or a big-minute guy, but he’s a decent puck-mover and can generate offense. His ability to keep the puck in the offensive zone is a major plus.

However, he’s not a lockdown defender. His defensive stats aren’t bad, but they are not exactly what the Oilers need in a top-4 guy.

What Does the Future Hold?

The Oilers are hoping that with more time and development, Kulak can become a more consistent player. It’s tough to tell right now if he’s the guy they've been looking for, but the team is giving him the opportunity to prove himself.

If he can put it all together, Kulak could be a valuable asset to the Oilers. But if he continues to struggle with consistency, the Oilers might have to look elsewhere for that missing piece on the back end.

It’s a big ask of Kulak, but the Oilers are banking on him to deliver. Time will tell if he can live up to the hype.

Keywords:

• Evan Kulak
• Edmonton Oilers
• Top-4 Defenseman
• Jay Woodcroft
• NHL
• Defense
• Puck-moving
• Consistency
• Offensive Upside
• Stats
• Future
• Development