Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Brett Kulak

Discover the career path of Brett Kulak, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Brett Kulak is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2012, he has also played for the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers, establishing himself as a solid NHL defenseman.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Drafted by Vancouver Giants

In 2010, Brett Kulak was drafted 197th overall in the WHL Bantam Draft by the Vancouver Giants.

2012: Drafted by Calgary Flames

In 2012, Brett Kulak was selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round, 105th overall, of the NHL entry draft.

2013: Plays with Abbotsford Heat

Following the conclusion of his WHL season in 2013, Kulak joined the Flames' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, on an amateur try-out agreement and played four games.

March 18, 2014: Signed by Calgary Flames

On March 18, 2014, Brett Kulak signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames.

2014: End of Junior Hockey Career

In 2014, Brett Kulak concluded his four seasons of junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Vancouver Giants. Following the conclusion of his WHL season in 2013–14, Kulak joined the Flames' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, on an amateur try-out agreement and played six games.

April 11, 2015: NHL Debut

On April 11, 2015, Brett Kulak made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames in their final regular season game against the Winnipeg Jets, which resulted in a 5–1 loss.

October 18, 2016: First Career Point

On October 18, 2016, Brett Kulak recorded his first career point against the Buffalo Sabres, assisting on Michael Frolík's first period goal. The Flames won the game 4-3.

August 28, 2017: Re-signed by Flames

On August 28, 2017, the Calgary Flames re-signed Brett Kulak, who was a restricted free agent, to a one-year, two-way contract worth $650,000.

October 1, 2018: Traded to Montreal Canadiens

On October 1, 2018, the Calgary Flames traded Brett Kulak to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Matt Taormina and Rinat Valiev.

December 29, 2018: First Goal for Montreal

On December 29, 2018, Brett Kulak scored his first goal for Montreal in a 5-6 defeat to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

January 12, 2019: First Game-Winning Goal

On January 12, 2019, Brett Kulak scored his first game-winning goal in a 3-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.

May 25, 2019: Signed Contract Extension with Canadiens

On May 25, 2019, Brett Kulak signed a three-year, $5.55 million contract extension with the Canadiens, with an annual average of $1.85 million.

2021: Oilers Reach Western Conference Final

Brett Kulak registered 2 goals and 6 assists in 18 regular season games with the Oilers to close out the 2021–22 season. Following the end of the season, Kulak signed a new four-year, $11 million contract with the Oilers.

2021: Participated in Stanley Cup Finals

In 2021, Brett Kulak participated in the Canadiens' deep run to the Stanley Cup Finals.

March 19, 2022: Final Game as a Canadien

On March 19, 2022, Brett Kulak played his final game as a Canadien, scoring a goal in a 5–1 victory over the Ottawa Senators.

March 21, 2022: Traded to Edmonton Oilers

On March 21, 2022, Brett Kulak was traded to the Edmonton Oilers.

December 12, 2025: Traded to Pittsburgh Penguins

On December 12, 2025, the Oilers traded Brett Kulak, Stuart Skinner, and a 2029 second-round draft pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry and Samuel Poulin.