Brett Kulak Bio
Brett Kulak is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 6, 1994, in Stony Plain, Alberta, Kulak was selected 105th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. After making his NHL debut in 2015, he went on to play for teams including the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers before joining the Penguins. Known for his solid defensive play, Kulak has contributed to significant team performances, especially during playoff runs.
Early Life and Background
Brett Kulak was born on January 6, 1994, and grew up on a farm near Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada. He was raised by his parents, Gil and Laura, alongside his older brothers, Tyson and Kyle. From an early age, Kulak was involved in organized hockey through the Stony Plain and Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association, where he developed the fundamentals that would shape his career as a defenceman.
His upbringing on a farm gave Kulak a grounded, hardworking mentality that translated to his approach on the ice. Standing 188 centimetres tall and weighing around 87 kilograms, he developed the physical frame needed to compete at higher levels of hockey. His early experiences in minor hockey in the Stony Plain and Spruce Grove area laid the foundation for his progression into junior competition.
Path to Hockey
Kulak’s path toward professional hockey began in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he was drafted 197th overall by the Vancouver Giants in the WHL Bantam Draft. He went on to play four seasons of junior hockey in the WHL between 2010 and 2014, establishing himself as a reliable two-way defenceman. In 216 games with the Giants, he scored 35 goals and added 93 assists, demonstrating both offensive instincts and defensive responsibility.
His strong junior performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, and the Calgary Flames selected him in the fourth round, 105th overall, at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Following the conclusion of his WHL seasons in 2012-13 and 2013-14, Kulak joined the Flames’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, on amateur try-out agreements. He played four and six games in each respective season, gaining valuable professional experience before signing his first NHL contract.
Brett Kulak Career
Early Career (2014-2018)
On March 18, 2014, the Calgary Flames signed Brett Kulak to a three-year, entry-level contract. He began the 2014-15 season with the ECHL’s Colorado Eagles before earning a promotion to the AHL’s Adirondack Flames. Kulak was then recalled to Calgary and made his NHL debut on April 11, 2015, in the Flames’ final regular season game, a 5-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets.
On October 18, 2016, against the Buffalo Sabres, Kulak recorded his first career point, assisting on Michael Frolik’s first-period goal in a 4-3 Flames victory. He finished the 2016-17 season with three assists in 21 NHL games. On August 28, 2017, the Flames re-signed Kulak, who was a restricted free agent, to a one-year, two-way contract worth $650,000, solidifying his place within the organization.
Calgary Flames Era (2014-2018)
During his time with the Calgary Flames organization, Kulak split time between the NHL and the AHL, continuing to develop his game. His NHL debut on April 11, 2015, marked the beginning of his top-level career, and he gradually earned more responsibility with the parent club. The Flames used him as a steady, dependable presence whenever he was called upon from the minors.
His first NHL point came on October 18, 2016, and he finished his first full NHL season in 2016-17 with three assists in 21 games. Kulak’s role with the Flames grew steadily, and he became a reliable depth defenceman before being traded in October 2018.
Montreal Canadiens Era (2018-2022)
On October 1, 2018, the Flames traded Brett Kulak to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Matt Taormina and Rinat Valiev. Kulak was initially assigned to the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, but was quickly called up to Montreal on November 22, 2018, after an injury to defenceman Noah Juulsen. He was immediately inserted into the lineup and held his position even after the return of star defenceman Shea Weber.
On December 29, 2018, Kulak scored his first goal for Montreal in a 5-6 defeat to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He added his first game-winning goal in a 3-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on January 12, 2019. On May 25, 2019, the Canadiens signed Kulak to a three-year, $5.55 million contract extension with an annual average value of $1.85 million. Over the following seasons, Kulak typically played on the team’s third pairing and notably participated in the Canadiens’ deep run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals. His final game as a Canadien came on March 19, 2022, when he scored a goal in a 5-1 rout of the Ottawa Senators.
Edmonton Oilers Era (2022-2025)
In advance of the NHL trade deadline, Brett Kulak was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers on March 21, 2022. Kulak registered two goals and six assists in 18 regular-season games with the Oilers to close out the 2021-22 season before the team entered the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. Kulak’s contributions were well received on the team, and he played primarily as a pair with defenceman Tyson Barrie, credited with boosting Barrie’s effectiveness.
Kulak missed the morning practice the day of the pivotal Game 7 in the Oilers’ first-round matchup with the Los Angeles Kings, as he was attending the birth of his daughter, but was able to participate in the game itself that saw the Oilers advance to the second round against the Calgary Flames. The Oilers reached the Western Conference Final that year, losing to the Colorado Avalanche in four games. Following the end of the season, Kulak signed a new four-year, $11 million contract with the Oilers.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2025-Present)
On December 12, 2025, following a middling start to the Oilers’ season for the third year in a row, the Edmonton Oilers traded Brett Kulak, goaltender Stuart Skinner, and a 2029 second-round draft pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In exchange, the Oilers received goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin. The trade marked a new chapter for Kulak as he joined the Penguins organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Brett Kulak is recognized for his solid defensive play and his ability to contribute in all three zones of the ice. His pairing with Tyson Barrie in Edmonton was credited with elevating both players’ effectiveness, suggesting Kulak’s steady, positionally sound style complements more offensively gifted defencemen. His willingness to log difficult minutes and his reliability in his own end have made him a valued depth piece on contending rosters.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Kulak’s most memorable moments came during the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, when he attended the birth of his daughter before participating in the decisive Game 7 win over the Los Angeles Kings. He was also part of the Montreal Canadiens’ unlikely run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals and the Edmonton Oilers’ journey to the 2022 Western Conference Final. His trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins in December 2025 added another significant chapter to his career.
Brett Kulak Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Brett Kulak has contributed to significant team successes, though he has not won a Stanley Cup. His most notable team achievements include reaching the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals with the Montreal Canadiens and the 2022 Western Conference Final with the Edmonton Oilers.
Calgary Flames Highlights
During his time with the Calgary Flames organization between 2014 and 2018, Kulak worked his way up from the ECHL’s Colorado Eagles and the AHL’s Adirondack Flames to the NHL roster. He made his NHL debut on April 11, 2015, and recorded his first NHL point on October 18, 2016, against the Buffalo Sabres.
Other Wins & Performances
Kulak’s post-season appearances stand out as highlights of his career, including the Canadiens’ run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals and the Oilers’ journey to the 2022 Western Conference Final. His reliable defensive play has been a consistent feature across each of his NHL stops.
Brett Kulak Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Brett Kulak was raised on a farm near Stony Plain, Alberta, by his parents, Gil and Laura. He grew up alongside his older brothers, Tyson and Kyle, and played in the Stony Plain and Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association during his youth. His family environment provided a grounded upbringing that complemented his development as a hockey player.
Personal Life
Brett Kulak is married, and he and his wife have two children. The birth of his daughter during the 2022 playoffs was a notable personal moment, occurring just before the Oilers’ pivotal Game 7 against the Los Angeles Kings.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was defined by change for Brett Kulak. After three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 12, 2025, as part of a package that also included goaltender Stuart Skinner and a 2029 second-round draft pick. The Oilers, dealing with a middling start to their campaign, decided to shake up their roster, sending Kulak to Pittsburgh in exchange for goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin.
Kulak’s time with the Oilers had been highlighted by strong defensive partnerships and deep playoff runs, including the 2022 Western Conference Final appearance. His departure marked the end of an era in Edmonton and a fresh opportunity in Pittsburgh. With the Penguins, Kulak joined a team looking to retool and benefit from his steady, two-way game.
Looking ahead, Kulak’s role with the Penguins will likely continue to emphasize reliable defensive play and the kind of veteran presence that helped Edmonton reach conference finals. His contract, which runs through 2030, provides stability for both player and team as he adjusts to his new organization and contributes to Pittsburgh’s broader competitive goals.