2022 NHL Trade deadline : Outrageous robbery by Kent Hughes

Transactions can come back to haunt a general manager in the National Hockey League. Just ask the one from the Edmonton Oilers. Remember the trade involving Brett Kulak to the Edmonton Oilers...

As a third-pair defenseman, Brett Kulak was traded two years ago. On March 21, 2022, Kent Hughes called his counterpart in Edmonton Ken Holland to send him over defenseman number 77. In return, Kent Hughes acquired:

- William Lagesson
- A 7th-round pick in 2024
- And most importantly, a 2nd-round pick in 2022.

Although William Lagesson hasn't been outstanding, the real asset of this transaction is the famous second-round pick from the 2022 NHL amateur draft. That's the pick we're interested in, because the Canadiens' management found a diamond in the rough.


You might have guessed it, but as TVA Sports just pointed out, this transaction will likely be one of the most significant of the Kent Hughes era. It's become a home run or even a grand slam for baseball fans!


We also salute the Colorado Avalanche because it's thanks to them that the condition related to the Oilers' pick was fulfilled.

This second-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers in 2022, the 62nd overall pick in the amateur draft, allowed the bleu-blanc-rouge to acquire Lane Hutson!

Hutson, 20, has accumulated two points in as many NHL games, after tallying 49 points, including 15 goals, in 38 games this season in the NCAA with the Boston University Terriers.

As for Brett Kulak, the 30-year-old defenseman has amassed 15 points in 80 games this season for the Oilers. He's used on a third defensive pairing and plays an average of 15 minutes per game. With such an offensive team, he presents a +3 differential, which is nothing exceptional under the circumstances.

He's become a solid third-pair defenseman for the Oilers, and that's his place.