The Colorado Avalanche have traded Samuel Girard to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Brett Kulak. This deal, which occurred on a Tuesday, also included a second-round pick for the 2028 NHL Draft.
A Look at Samuel Girard’s Career Stats
Samuel Girard, a 27-year-old defenseman, has had an impressive season, registering 12 points with three goals and nine assists across 40 games. He averages 17:41 of ice time per match. Girard has one year left on a seven-year contract worth $35 million, which he signed in July 2019.
- Age: 27
- Current Points: 12 (3 goals, 9 assists)
- Average Ice Time: 17:41
- Contract Details: Seven years, $35 million
- Total NHL Points: 232 (36 goals, 196 assists)
- Games Played: 583
Trade Background and Reactions
Chris MacFarland, the Avalanche’s general manager, expressed gratitude towards Girard for his contributions over the last nine seasons. He acknowledged Girard as a key player in their turnaround since 2017 and extended best wishes for his future in Pittsburgh.
Girard has also shown notable performance in the playoffs, with 28 points from 67 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He played a crucial role in the Avalanche’s 2021 Stanley Cup victory, despite missing part of the playoffs due to an injury.
Details About Brett Kulak
On the other hand, Brett Kulak joined the Penguins after a previous trade with the Edmonton Oilers, where he had recorded seven points in 25 games. As a 32-year-old defenseman, he has developed a reputation for being a versatile player capable of logging significant minutes.
- Age: 32
- Current Points: 7 (1 goal, 6 assists)
- Average Ice Time: 20:20
- Contract Details: Final season of a four-year, $11 million contract
- Total NHL Points: 134 (29 goals, 105 assists)
Current Standings and Upcoming Games
The Avalanche are currently leading the NHL with a record of 37 wins, 9 losses, and 9 overtime losses. They will face the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Penguins are in second place in the Metropolitan Division, holding a slight lead over the New York Islanders. They are scheduled to play against the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday.
This trade exemplifies the strategic moves both teams are making as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches on March 6 at 3 p.m. ET.
