EDMONTON, AB - Welcome to Oil Country, Dmitry Kulikov.
The former New Jersey Devils defender was obtained by Oilers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Ken Holland on Monday for a conditional fourth-round selection in the 2022 National Hockey League Draft.
The pick becomes a 2022 third-round selection if the Orange & Blue advance to the second round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which Kulikov is hoping for after chatting with Edmonton Oilers Radio Analyst and 630 CHED Oilers Now Host Bob Stauffer.
"That's all you can ask for, the chance at the playoffs and getting a chance to compete for the (Stanley) Cup," Kulikov said. "That's what we play for, to win a Stanley Cup. I'm grateful for the opportunity to do that."
Kulikov is expected to bring a defence-first game to the Oilers, instilling some penalty-killing capabilities and physicality from the blueline. The 30-year-old rearguard has amassed 35 goals, 137 assists and 172 points over 715 career NHL appearances and has two helpers in 38 games this season.
"I'm very excited," Kulikov said of joining Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers. "It's very fun to watch them play as a team. When they're scoring points against other teams, you feel good it's not against you."
BLOG: Kulikov expresses excitement to contend with Oilers
Newly-acquired defender Dmitry Kulikov is looking forward to the opportunity of making a post-season push with his new club
