Edmonton Oilers acquire Dmitry Kulikov; Chicago acquires Adam Gaudette

A few deals early on on trade deadline day.

The Edmonton Oilers made a splash to add some defensive depth acquiring Dmirty Kulikov from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a conditional fourth round pick in 2022. The pick upgrades to a third if Edmonton wins a playoff round this year.

Kulikov has appeared in 30 games with the Devils this year scoring two assists, but defence is his specialty.

According to hockeyviz.com, at even strength Kulikov provides offence at a league average rate, but brings defence at a 10 percent rate higher than league average. With him on the ice in New Jersey this year, the Devils expected goals against per hour is 20 percent lower than that of league average.

The Vancouver Canucks also made a move trading Adam Gaudette to Chicago in exchange for Matthew Highmore. Gaudette, 24, is a pending RA and has appeared in 33 games with the Canucks this year scoring four goals and three assists.

Highmore, 25, has appeared in 24 games with Chicago this year scoring two assists.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.