The Colorado Avalanche have traded defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 2nd round Draft pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In return, the Avalanche will receive defenseman Brett Kulak.

Girard’s history

Girard spent nine seasons with the Avalanche and played 583 games for the club. The organization acquired him as part of one of the biggest trades in franchise history when they traded Matt Duchene to the Ottawa Senators in 2017. This now leaves Matt Stienburg as the only piece left in the organization from the trade. While with the Avalanche, Girard scored 36 goals and 196 assists. He helped the Avs win the Stanley Cup in 2022, but missed the last two rounds because of an injury. The French-Canadian became a role model after entering the Player Assistance program in November 2023, urging more players to seek help. Girard will leave Colorado with the third-most blocked shots in franchise history (750) and the fourth-most games by a defenseman.

“First of all, we would like to thank Samuel for all he has done for the Avalanche organization, both on and off the ice, over the last nine seasons. ‘G’ is a great person and teammate and was a big part of the group that helped our turnaround back in 2017,” said Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland. “We wish him and his family the best of luck in Pittsburgh.”

Why Kulak?

Kulak is a 32-year-old defenseman who does not score too much, but he can still move the puck both ways. He will add size and strength to the last pair next to Sam Malinski. Kulak also makes $2.25 million less than Girard, so if Logan O’Connor returns, this will help on the cap. The Calgary Flames originally drafted Kulak in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft. He has played in 636 games, scoring 29 goals and 105 assists. The veteran also has 98 playoff games to his credit, where he has 3 goals and 21 assists. Kulak’s play during the playoffs is what the Avs more than likely got him for, other than his size and salary. He plays his best hockey during the playoffs. Kulak is already familiar with Colorado as he played 39 games for the Colorado Eagles in 2014–15 as an ECHL player.

“In Brett, we are acquiring a two-way defenseman who can play up and down the lineup,” said MacFarland. “He logs big minutes in all situations and brings a ton of playoff experience that will help our blue line depth.”

This move will make the Avalanche bigger on the back end. This allows for Sam Malinski to play his game with more of an offensive flare. It will add some grit and open a window for more depth with the forwards in the salary cap.