Oilers in a tough spot: Canucks to take advantage and acquire a defenceman?

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Cooper Godin
August 16, 2024 (12:10)

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With the Edmonton Oilers in a bit of cap trouble, the Vancouver Canucks have been linked to a defenceman on their roster as Stan Bowman tries to shed salary.

Earlier this week, the Edmonton Oilers' cap situation became even more difficult with the St. Louis Blues deciing to submit offer sheets to Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. The Oilers don't have any cap space remaining, in fact, according to PuckPedia, they have negative space.

During the summer, teams are allowed to spend 10 percent above the NHL's salary cap, but must be compliant as of opening night. If the Oilers decide to match the offer sheet on one or both of Broberg and Holloway, they'll need to move out some money before October 9th against the Winnipeg Jets.

In an article on The Province, Patrick Johnston linked the Vancouver Canucks to Edmonton Oilers defenceman Brett Kulak. Kulak could be an interesting depth piece for the Canucks on the blueline, while Edmonton would shed his $2.75 million cap hit for the next two seasons.

Johnston says that the Canucks could offer the Edmonton Oilers an interesting deal and ask Stan Bowman to take on Tucker Poolman's contract, which can be placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), rather than receiving a draft pick along with Brett Kulak.

"The Vancouver Canucks could offer up an alternative. Rather than demanding a pick, they could ask Edmonton to take the Tucker Poolman contract off their hands. Poolman hasn't played since January 2023 because of migraines and isn't expected to play again.

If the Oilers were to pick up Poolman in a deal, they could park his contract on LTIR.

In exchange, you've got to think the Canucks might be interested in Kulak, rather than Ceci." Johnston said.

Kulak, 30, appeared in 82 games last season for the Edmonton Oilers, along with all 25 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. During the regular season, he put up 16 points (three goals, 13 assists), 30 penalty minutes and had an even-rating. He went on to add eight points in the playoffs.

Should the Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks trade for Brett Kulak? Let us know what you think in the poll below!

Source: Patrick Johnston/The Province
Could the Canucks help the Oilers out of their offer-sheet pickle?