The Colorado Avalanche quickly ignited the NHL trade activity following the Olympic break, executing a notable deal to acquire Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins. This move, made as the NHL resumed play this week, was aimed at boosting the Avalanche’s roster for their playoff push and enhancing their defensive lineup.
Key Details of the Avalanche-Penguins Trade
In the trade, the Avalanche sent defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick to the Penguins in exchange for Kulak. This transaction adds to Pittsburgh’s already substantial stockpile of future draft picks, which now includes three first-rounders, seven seconds, and six third-round picks over the next three drafts, with a total of 20 picks projected through four drafts—the most in the NHL.
Samuel Girard, a part of Colorado’s Stanley Cup-winning squad in 2022, is notably younger than Kulak and remains under contract for the following season. On the other hand, Brett Kulak, at 32 years old, is in the final year of his $11 million contract, which carries a $2.75 million cap hit.
“We have acquired Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Samuel Girard and a 2nd round pick in 2028 NHL Draft. pic.twitter.com/tZrCRBm3LB” ?Colorado Avalanche Official Twitter
What Brett Kulak Brings to the Avalanche
A native of Edmonton, Kulak is a dependable and intelligent defenseman known for his consistent playoff performance. His veteran experience and steady presence on the blue line have been appreciated in Pittsburgh, where he ranked third in average ice time behind top defenders Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang, logging approximately 20:20 minutes per game since joining the Penguins.
General Manager Kyle Dubas of the Penguins has been noted for his strategic roster moves, having recently converted goalie Tristan Jarry into valuable assets, including two second-round picks and goaltender Stuart Skinner, who might become a key player for Pittsburgh. With roughly $10 million in cap space this season and about $48 million available next season, Dubas remains positioned to rebuild the Penguins in the style of captain Sidney Crosby.
Broader Trade Market Activity Following the Avalanche’s Deal
The Avalanche’s trade seems to have sparked further discussions among NHL teams concerning veterans available on the market. The Minnesota Wild have shown interest in Team USA Olympian Vincent Trocheck, while the Dallas Stars are preparing potential moves, especially due to Mikko Rantanen’s recent two-week injury absence.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly looking to move Andrew Mangiapane’s contract and have been linked to a possible trade for Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann. These developments suggest active maneuvering as teams seek to strengthen their rosters before the postseason.
Implications for Colorado and NHL Trade Landscape
This acquisition provides the Avalanche with an experienced defender equipped to contribute immediately during their playoff pursuit. Adding Kulak’s playoff-hardened presence could help stabilize Colorado’s defense as the team aims to maintain its standing in a competitive Western Conference.
For the Penguins, the trade aligns with a long-term strategy of accumulating draft capital and building a core around Sidney Crosby’s leadership. As more teams assess their rosters and injury situations, the NHL trade market is expected to see continued activity in the coming weeks, heightening anticipation ahead of the final stretch of the season.
We have acquired Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Samuel Girard and a 2nd round pick in 2028 NHL Draft. pic.twitter.com/tZrCRBm3LB
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 24, 2026
