The Colorado Avalanche have traded defenseman Samuel Girard, originally from Roberval, Quebec, to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Brett Kulak of Edmonton, Alberta, according to TSN on Tuesday. Along with Girard, the Penguins will receive a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.
Samuel Girard’s NHL Career and Current Performance
Girard is now joining his third NHL team after one season with the Nashville Predators from 2017 to 2018 and nine seasons with the Colorado Avalanche from 2018 to 2026. This season, Girard has played 40 games, recording three goals and nine assists, totaling 12 points. His stats include a plus-12 rating, 15 penalty minutes, one game-winning goal, 31 shots on goal, 37 blocked shots, 15 hits, nine takeaways, and 36 giveaways.
His most notable moment this season was a game-winning goal on December 23 in a 1-0 victory over the Utah Mammoth, where he scored the only goal, unassisted, at 7:57 of the second period.
Girard is also a Stanley Cup champion, having won the title with the Avalanche in 2022.
Brett Kulak’s Experience and Role in the Trade
Kulak is set to join his fifth NHL franchise, having previously skated for the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. This season, across 56 games, he has one goal and eight assists for nine points, having split his time between the Oilers and the Penguins.
Team Standings and Possible Implications
The Avalanche currently lead the NHL with 83 points, while the Penguins hold second place in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points. This trade reflects both teams’ strategies in strengthening their defensive lineups as they continue their playoff pushes.
