Confirmed with Link: Kulak is back (4 years, $2.75M AAV)

[SwedishFire]

At least that didn't happen this time. You're not going to find a top 4 option for sub 3mil on the open market. Though that doesn't change the fact that asking Kulak to anchor the defence defensively behind the top pair is a bad idea.

It's annoying, as he's a pretty versatile, but asking him to play with Barrie (or Bouchard) on a pairing that will consistently draw difficult match-ups (due to a weak 3rd pairing) is a bridge too far.


Imo you can play him with Ceci on a 2nd pairing that can actually handle tougher match-ups behind Nurse's pair, or (ideally) you play him as the babysitter for one of Bouchard, Barrie, Niemo, or Broberg, on a sheltered pairing, and he shifts up when needed. But that'll also mean that you'll need to go out and grab a defender that can knock everyone down a peg on the totem pole of responsibility (Gavrikov plz?), or hope the light bulb suddenly turns on for Broberg and/or Niemo.

Broberg is the hope, like since start of the season. Very not Holland like to not fill in a D for a rookie, until the rookie has proven his spot. Now Holland expected Broberg to be a NHL contributer. And thought Bouchard ccould play defense.

McCabe, Gavrikov, Gudas, Klingberg(??), just a defender more. If klingberg comes, the D is even more chaotich, I dont understand really, but holland likes puckmovers

 

[Trafalgar Sadge Law]

Nurse and Bouchard seem to be getting the majority of blame and they've had their issues, but they at least have positive traits to make up for the gaffes. This player has been unbelievably bad this year and was downright horrific last season until he got to perma play against 3rd/4th liners post-Ekholm. I genuinely can't think of a single thing he's done well this season. The guy basically tilts the ice in the opposing team's favour every time he steps on the ice.

 

[Beerfish]

Nurse and Bouchard seem to be getting the majority of blame and they've had their issues, but they at least have positive traits to make up for the gaffes. This player has been unbelievably bad this year and was downright horrific last season until he got to perma play against 3rd/4th liners post-Ekholm. I genuinely can't think of a single thing he's done well this season. The guy basically tilts the ice in the opposing team's favour every time he steps on the ice.

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This is hollands specialty handing out over term over valued deals to total jags that have about 2 decent games and convince him they are worthy 4 years.