Samuel Girard stands out as an especially valuable asset in today’s NHL trade market due to his skill level and favorable contract. With two seasons remaining at a $5 million average annual value, Girard’s cost is considered moderate compared to his performance quality. This combination makes him attractive to teams looking to improve their defense without overspending, especially as the NHL salary cap continues to rise.
The Colorado Avalanche have the opportunity to leverage Girard’s value to acquire draft picks or promising prospects. However, any talent obtained through a trade will likely be moved again to secure a capable replacement on their blue line. Historically, middle-pairing defensemen generate considerable interest around the trade deadline, as seen in several notable recent transactions.
Important Recent Defenseman Trades at the Deadline
Tracking recent trades involving defensemen helps set the stage for the market the Avalanche might navigate if they move Girard:
- July 23, 2021 – Rasmus Ristolainen Trade: Philadelphia acquired Ristolainen, while Buffalo received Robert Hagg alongside a first-round pick in 2021 (Isak Rosen) and a second-round pick in 2023 (Anton Wahlberg).
- March 16, 2022 – Ben Chiarot Swap: Florida added Chiarot, whereas Montreal gained Ty Smilanic, a 2022 fourth-round pick (Cedrick Guindon), and a conditional 2023 first-round pick (Mikhail Gulyayev).
- February 1, 2025 – Marcus Pettersson Deal: Vancouver secured Pettersson and Drew O’Connor; Pittsburgh received Melvin Fernstrom, Vincent Desharnais, Danton Heinen, and a conditional first-round pick in 2025 (Jack Nesbitt).
- March 7, 2025 – Brandon Carlo Transaction: Toronto obtained Carlo, giving Boston Fraser Minten, a 2025 fourth-round pick (Vashek Blanar), and a conditional first-round pick in 2026.
- March 7, 2025 – Jake Walman Transfer: Edmonton took on Walman, while San Jose received Carl Berglund and a conditional 2026 first-round pick.
Potential Defensive Options to Replace Girard on the Avalanche
Given that Girard is a left-shot defenseman, the Avalanche will likely look for players with similar handedness who can fit seamlessly into Colorado’s defensive scheme. Below is a selection of viable left-shot candidates with different experience levels and contract situations who might provide similar contributions.
Emerging and Established Defenseman Who Could Join Colorado
Emil Andrae
Emil Andrae is a relatively lesser-known defenseman currently with the Philadelphia Flyers, having limited NHL experience but promising potential. With 86 NHL games and 103 in the AHL, Andrae typically fills a third-pair role and could grow into a larger role with more playing time. His current deal expires after the 2025-26 season, carrying a modest cap hit under $1 million. Philadelphia, holding deeper defensive options including Rasmus Ristolainen, may be willing to trade Andrae for assets rather than matching Girard’s caliber directly.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson carries vast experience from 16 NHL seasons and credentials as a Swedish Olympian and NHL All-Star. Currently under contract until 2027-28 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ekman-Larsson has a $3.5 million cap hit and may be deployed on the third defensive pairing or occasionally on the power play. Toronto is expected to be a seller at the trade deadline, making Ekman-Larsson a potential, albeit possibly expensive, acquisition to replace Girard. The Maple Leafs’ general manager Brad Treliving aims to demonstrate activity before the deadline, increasing the likelihood of this trade.
Mario Ferraro
As the San Jose Sharks’ longest-tenured defenseman, Mario Ferraro has accumulated 463 NHL games, balancing second and third-pair responsibilities. His contract, averaging $3.25 million annually through 2025-26, reflects his steady defensive and penalty-killing contributions rather than offensive output. Ferraro shares a connection with Avalanche star Cale Makar from their time together at UMass Amherst, suggesting potential chemistry benefits. Known more for his reliability and analytic appeal than flashy stats, Ferraro could thrive in a stronger, winning culture like Colorado’s.
Brett Kulak
Brett Kulak functions as a dependable bottom-pair defenseman, with over 600 NHL games and a $2.75 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season. Recently moved from Edmonton as part of a roster shuffle, Kulak offers third-pair minutes and penalty-killing flexibility. His likelihood of re-signing with a new team is considered high, which suits Colorado if they want a cost-controlled but capable replacement for Girard on the left side.
Mason Lohrei
Mason Lohrei is a younger, developing defenseman currently within the Boston Bruins system with 170 NHL appearances. Playing second or third pair minutes and occasionally on the power play, Lohrei is on a contract running through 2026-27 but is still a restricted free agent. Although Boston is not in a hurry to trade him, recent hints that the Bruins might consider trades—especially after losing out in the scramble for Rasmus Andersson—suggest Lohrei could be a candidate if Colorado offers roster pieces and cap space retention on Girard.
Pavel Mintyukov
Pavel Mintyukov, a 22-year-old with 182 NHL games so far, offers potential as a second-pair left-shot defenseman with power play and penalty kill experience. His contract extends through 2025-26 with a $918,333 cap hit, making him an affordable option. Limited opportunity in Anaheim due to a crowded defensive group has led to trade request rumors. Given the Ducks’ depth and recent acquisitions, Mintyukov would likely require a multi-team deal involving prospects or picks in addition to Girard’s trade.
Examining Detroit Red Wings’ Defensive Depth for Available Candidates
The Detroit Red Wings may present an opportunity for acquiring experienced, NHL-capable defensemen who have spent much of the current season in the AHL with Grand Rapids. As March 6 approaches, it’s probable that some of these players will seek new NHL opportunities elsewhere, which could benefit the Avalanche if they pursue a trade for Girard.
Erik Gustafsson
Erik Gustafsson played 60 games for Detroit last season but has spent this season primarily in the minors. His contract runs through 2025-26 with a $1.5 million cap hit. Gustafsson brings experience from seven NHL teams over five seasons and likely desires stability in his career. Both he and the Wings seem ready to move on, making him a potentially cost-effective option with a strong motivation to prove himself at the NHL level again.
Justin Holl
Justin Holl, whose contract extends through 2025-26 at $3.4 million, is another veteran defenseman from Detroit currently buried in the AHL after almost a year out of NHL action. Holl is expected to seek a one-year “prove it” deal elsewhere and could fill third-pair and penalty-killing roles. As a player with solid NHL experience looking for renewed opportunity, Holl fits the profile of a deadline acquisition that provides depth and stability.
What These Moves Could Mean for the Avalanche and the NHL Trade Deadline
Trading Samuel Girard would mark a significant shift for the Avalanche’s defensive structure. However, the Avalanche appear well-positioned to leverage Girard’s contract and skill to upgrade future assets while navigating the deadline with roster flexibility. The examples of Rasmus Ristolainen, Ben Chiarot, Marcus Pettersson, Brandon Carlo, and Jake Walman demonstrate that middle-pair defensemen command substantial returns, often involving high draft picks and promising prospects.
Colorado’s approach will likely focus on obtaining a capable left-shot replacement who can hold their own in the NHL while complementing existing stars such as Cale Makar. Whether pursuing a young player like Emil Andrae or Pavel Mintyukov, a seasoned veteran like Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Mario Ferraro, or a savvy depth option from Detroit like Erik Gustafsson or Justin Holl, will depend on how much cap space the Avalanche are willing to allocate, and the leverage they maintain from Girard’s value.
As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, the Avalanche’s decisions will resonate throughout the league. Acquiring the right defensive piece could solidify their lineup and provide long-term stability, while trading Girard for draft capital or prospects could reshape their path forward. The evolving trade market ensures that this deadline will be both intense and highly consequential.
Cale Makar is the winner of the 2024-25 Norris Trophy! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/047O81C2mC
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 11, 2025
