The Pittsburgh Penguins have bolstered their defensive lineup, acquiring defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Brett Kulak, both teams announced Tuesday.

Girard’s Journey to Pittsburgh

Girard, 27, joins the Penguins after a significant portion of his NHL career spent with the Avalanche and Nashville Predators. Originally drafted 47th overall by Nashville in 2016, he was later traded to Colorado in 2017, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2022. He is signed through the 2026-27 season with an average annual value of $5 million.

In 40 games this season, Girard has recorded three goals, nine assists and 12 points, maintaining a +12 rating. Throughout his 588-game NHL career, he has amassed 37 goals, 198 assists, and 235 points.

Kulak Heads to Colorado

Kulak, 32, departs Pittsburgh after 56 games this season, where he registered one goal and eight assists. He arrived in Pittsburgh earlier this season in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers. He is a pending unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of $2.75 million.

Impact on Both Teams

The trade provides the Penguins with a dynamic offensive defenseman in Girard, who has previously demonstrated the ability to contribute significantly to a team’s attack. The Avalanche, meanwhile, gain a veteran presence in Kulak and additional draft capital.

Pittsburgh now possesses 34 draft picks over the next four NHL drafts, including 20 selections in the first three rounds – the most of any team.

Girard’s Career Highlights

• Drafted 47th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2016.
• Won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.
• Reached 30 points in a season multiple times, including a career-high 37 points in 76 games in 2022-23.
• Competed with Canada’s men’s national junior ice hockey team, winning a gold medal at the 2015 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Looking Ahead

This trade signals the Penguins’ intent to compete now and in the future, adding a skilled defenseman to their roster whereas maintaining flexibility with their substantial collection of draft picks. The Avalanche, in turn, have positioned themselves for further moves with added cap space and a veteran defenseman in Kulak.