The Athletic\u2019s Dom Luszczyszyn recently listed it in his top 10 worst contracts in the NHL.<\/a> There were plenty of statistics to back up this assertion including a projected surplus value of minus -$18 milion and just a one percent probability of providing positive value over the life of the contract.<\/p>\n Understandably, Kulak did show a sharp decline in his five-on-five impact during last season.<\/p>\n While numbers don\u2019t lie, this deserves more attention.<\/p>\n Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak \/ IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n We would be remiss to not admit the truth here – there is plenty of risk associated with giving a 32-year-old a five-year contract. History shows these types of contracts don\u2019t age well, regardless of the history of the player.<\/p>\n The concerns pointed out within the contract terms are legitimate. Kulak\u2019s stats are declining and have been regarding his expected-goal impact in his last three stops: Edmonton, Pittsburgh and then Colorado.<\/p>\n If these drops are indicative of an age-related decline, the Avs are on a path to paying top-four money to a player who may not be capable of playing that role. <\/p>\n Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar \/ IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n Ok, so now that we have acknowledged that the risks are real, there\u2019s more to the story. Sakic. <\/p>\n Colorado\u2019s general manager had a front-row seat to watching Kulak late in the 2025-26 season. He was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in February 2026. <\/p>\n From there, Sakic got to watch him integrate into their system. The Avalanche relied on him both during the remaining regular season and then went on to trust his play into the playoffs.<\/p>\n Then they offered him an extension. That matters.<\/p>\n Sakic has firsthand knowledge and evaluations of what Kulak actually is, not what he is projected to be. If he believed that the 32-year-old was starting to slow down or would become a liability soon, Sakic had the opportunity to move on.<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t do that. He bet on Kulak.<\/p>\n Somewhere within the walls of Ball Arena and the practice ice rinks, the Avalanche saw value in Kulak\u2019s game.<\/p>\n Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (7) talks with defenseman Cale Makar (8) \/ IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n Kulak has a specific role within Colorado\u2019s game. Dependable defensive minutes, kill penalties, move the puck efficiently, and provide some stability behind Cale Makar<\/a> and Devon Toews<\/a> – those are Kulak\u2019s job.<\/p>\n When you are being asked to make good first passes, limit mistakes, and handle difficult defensive assignments, it is possible to have your offensive stats be very limited. <\/p>\n Does that limit his value to the team? Sakic didn\u2019t think so.<\/p>\n Colorado is betting on the veteran. They are paying for certainty. Kulak fits into the Avalanche\u2019s system. He\u2019s a reliable defenseman who provides reliability on the blue line.<\/p>\n Sure, there is risk. There is risk with every single contract on the team. Five years is a long time for a player in his 30s. Hockey is demanding.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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