The Athletic’s annual ranking of the league’s most burdensome contracts placed Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak at No 8, a spot that has sparked debate among analysts and fans alike.
Kulak signed a five‑year, $22.5 million deal on June 26, translating to an average annual value of $4.5 million. The contract came via a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he arrived alongside Samuel Girard and a second‑round draft pick, and he now anchors the Avalanche’s second defensive pairing.
Since joining Colorado, Kulak has helped solidify a top‑four unit that includes Cale Makar, Josh Manson and the emerging Sam Malinski, providing a blend of experience and steady play that the coaching staff values.
Statistical reviews show a mixed picture: his relative impact on expected goals was minus‑0.48 in Edmonton, minus‑0.14 in Pittsburgh, and minus‑1.2 in Colorado, figures that The Athletic cites as evidence of a “sudden and epic decline.”
I disagree with that interpretation. The same metrics, when viewed in context, suggest that Kulak’s presence has been stabilizing rather than deteriorating, especially given the transition from a high‑tempo Edmonton environment to a more structured Colorado system.
The Risk Landscape for Aging Depth Players
Long‑term contracts for players on the wrong side of thirty are inherently risky, yet the Avalanche’s $4.5 million cap hit is far from the league’s most problematic albatrosses. With the salary cap projected to rise, the deal remains manageable, and its five‑year term is offset by Kulak’s age‑37 expiration, making the agreement surprisingly tradeable.
If the Avalanche can recapture his defensive reliability and keep his health intact, Kulak could prove to be a shrewd investment, especially when compared to more costly, underperforming contracts like that of Jonathan Huberdeau.