On Tuesday morning, the Colorado Avalanche made a significant move to adjust their defensive lineup, trading veteran defenseman Samuel Girard to the Pittsburgh Penguins just ten days before the 2026 NHL trade deadline. In exchange, Colorado acquired defenseman Brett Kulak along with a 2028 second-round draft pick. This transaction signals a strategic shift for the Avalanche’s blue line and salary cap flexibility.
Details of the Trade and Player Profiles
Samuel Girard, the longest-serving member of the Avalanche’s defense corps, was originally acquired in a complex three-team trade in 2017 that also involved Matt Duchene and contributed to Colorado’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022. Girard played 583 regular-season games and 67 playoff contests with the Avalanche, typically operating alongside star defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews.
Brett Kulak, 32, began the current season with the Edmonton Oilers before being traded to Pittsburgh in a goalie swap that saw Stuart Skinner and Tristan Jarry exchanged between the teams. Kulak has appeared in over 600 regular-season NHL games and nearly 100 playoff games, reaching the Stanley Cup Final three times—once with Montreal in 2021 and twice recently with Edmonton.
Kulak’s performance this season includes no goals and two points in 31 games with Edmonton, followed by one goal and seven points in 25 games with Pittsburgh. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season and carries a cap hit of $2.75 million, which is $2.25 million less than Girard’s salary. Additionally, Girard’s contract extends one more year beyond this season, while Kulak has none remaining.
Coaching and Management Perspectives on the Acquisition
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism about the trade, saying,
“I think hopefully it’s a good trade for our team, and it’s a good trade for (Girard). G’s been an unbelievable teammate, a great player for this organization. … It’s sad to see guys like that go. But I think it could be a good move for him, little bit more opportunity.”
Bednar anticipates Kulak playing immediately, noting he will suit up for the Avalanche’s first game back from the Olympic break against the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night. He also highlighted Kulak’s versatility, mentioning,
“he could play Kulak with Makar in situations when he wants to split up his two Canadian Olympians for matchup purposes.”
General Manager Chris MacFarland underscored Kulak’s value with his playoff experience and two-way defensive capabilities. He stated,
“In Brett, we are acquiring a two-way defenseman who can play up and down the lineup. He logs big minutes in all situations and brings a ton of playoff experience that will help our blue line depth.”
Implications for the Avalanche’s Roster and Salary Cap
The inclusion of the 2028 second-round pick alongside Kulak represents a notable cost for Colorado, indicating the team’s desire to balance player skill with cap considerations. Kulak’s cap hit is $2.75 million compared to Girard’s $5 million-plus salary commitment. This trade provides the Avalanche with more financial flexibility as they evaluate remaining roster needs, particularly a strengthening of defensive depth and improvements at the No. 3 center position.
The team also faces uncertainty over Logan O’Connor, who remains on long-term injured reserve with a $2.5 million cap hit but has recently resumed skating. His return could create additional cap room before the March 6 deadline. Furthermore, Brent Burns’ contract includes significant bonuses that the Avalanche may manage carefully; Burns has earned $2 million in incentives this season, but is unlikely to reach the highest bonus tiers. Colorado can defer some of these bonuses into the 2026-27 season if necessary to remain under the salary cap constraints.
Player Reactions and Team Dynamics
Girard’s departure has affected teammates deeply. Defense partner Josh Manson, who played alongside Girard for several seasons, reflected on the emotions involved, saying,
“It’s tough. Just saying, ‘It’s a business,’ doesn’t make it any easier. You still have feelings and friendships and years of time spent together. It never gets any easier to see somebody walk out the door.”
He added succinctly,
“I’m definitely going to miss him.”
Girard’s tenure with the Avalanche was marked not only by his on-ice contributions but also his role as a respected teammate. His journey included overcoming personal challenges, notably returning to a healthier place after entering the NHL/NHLPA Players’ Assistance Program late in 2023.
Expectations Moving Forward and Team Strategy
The trade sets the Avalanche on a course that balances immediate roster needs with long-term planning. Kulak’s substantial playoff experience and defensive reliability provide Colorado with a versatile player who can adapt to various roles and matchups. His presence should enhance the Avalanche’s defensive depth as they push toward the postseason.
Meanwhile, the draft pick acquired positions the Avalanche to add young talent in the future, preserving the franchise’s competitive edge. The salary cap relief gained by offloading Girard’s contract may enable further roster moves before the trade deadline, including possibly bolstering the center depth the team continues to prioritize.
With the NHL trade deadline approaching rapidly, Colorado’s front office is expected to remain active, seeking to leverage new flexibility and veteran experience as the team finalizes its push toward another Stanley Cup run.
