The Pittsburgh Penguins have completed a trade to obtain defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Brett Kulak. The deal aims to strengthen the Penguins’ defensive lineup as they prepare for upcoming seasons.
Girard’s Contract and Current Performance
Samuel Girard, 27, is under contract through the 2026-27 NHL season with an average annual cap hit of $5 million. This season, he has contributed three goals, nine assists, and a plus-12 rating in 40 games, providing steady defense and offensive support.
Career Overview and Achievements
Girard, a 2022 Stanley Cup Champion, is in his ninth NHL campaign, having played for both the Colorado Avalanche and the Nashville Predators. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 170 pounds, he has accumulated 37 goals, 198 assists, and 235 points across 588 regular season games. In 67 playoff contests, he added three goals and 25 assists. His peak season came in 2022-23 with the Avalanche, when he set personal records with six goals, 31 assists, and 37 points over 76 games.
Early Career and Junior Hockey Success
Before turning professional, Girard played three years in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Shawinigan Cataractes from 2014 to 2017. Over 190 games, he recorded 24 goals, 168 assists, and 192 points while earning multiple league honors, including Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2015, Defenseman of the Year in 2016, Most Sportsmanlike Player in 2016, and First All-Star Team selections in both 2016 and 2017.
Draft History and Impact on Penguins’ Future
Originally drafted 47th overall by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft, Girard hails from Roberval, Quebec. With this trade, Pittsburgh now holds 34 selections over the next four drafts, including 20 picks in the first three rounds, making them the team with the most early-round picks in that span.
Significance of the Trade for Pittsburgh
This acquisition reflects the Penguins’ strategy to reinforce their defensive core while accumulating valuable draft capital. Girard’s experience and skill set could provide balance on the blue line, while the additional 2028 second-round pick offers further options to build the roster in the coming years.
“The addition of Samuel Girard gives us a versatile and experienced defenseman who has shown he can perform in high-stakes situations.” – Team Executive
