Penguins Acquire Samuel Girard in Trade with Avalanche
PITTSBURGH, PA – February 24, 2026 – The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Brett Kulak, the team announced today. Girard, 27, is signed through the 2026-27 season. He has played for the Avalanche and Nashville Predators during his nine-year NHL career and was a member of Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship team. This season, Girard has three goals, nine assists, and 12 points in 40 games. The Penguins now possess 34 draft picks over the next four NHL drafts, with a league-leading 20 selections in the first three rounds.
Penguins Bolster Defense with Girard Acquisition, Signal Aggressive Rebuild
Pittsburgh Penguins have made a significant move, acquiring defenseman Samuel Girard from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Brett Kulak and a 2028 second-round draft pick. This transaction, finalized on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, demonstrates the Penguins’ commitment to strengthening their defensive core while simultaneously accumulating future assets.
A Strategic Shift for Pittsburgh
General Manager Kyle Dubas clearly signaled an intent to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term sustainability. Girard, 27, brings a wealth of experience, including a Stanley Cup championship with the Avalanche in 2022, and is signed through the 2026-27 season with an average annual value of $5 million.
Pro Tip: Acquiring players with existing contracts provides stability and allows teams to avoid the uncertainty of free agency.
He has recorded 37 goals, 198 assists, and 235 points in 588 career NHL games, showcasing his offensive capabilities from the blue line. His 28 points in 67 career playoff games highlight his ability to perform under pressure.
Kulak Heads to Colorado, Adding Veteran Presence
In return, the Avalanche receive Brett Kulak, a veteran defenseman who provides a steady presence, and experience. Kulak’s departure leaves a void in the Penguins’ lineup, but the acquisition of Girard is viewed as a net positive for the team’s future. The Avalanche were looking for a steady presence on their blue line, and Kulak fits that bill.
Penguins’ Draft Capital Continues to Grow
This trade adds another piece to the Penguins’ impressive collection of draft picks. Pittsburgh now possesses 34 draft picks over the next four NHL drafts, including an impressive 20 selections in the first three rounds. This substantial draft capital positions the Penguins to potentially build further impactful moves in the coming years.
Girard’s Journey to Pittsburgh
Samuel Girard’s career trajectory is noteworthy. Originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft, he honed his skills in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Shawinigan Cataractes, earning numerous accolades including Defensive Rookie of the Year (2015) and Defenseman of the Year (2016). His best NHL season came in 2022-23 with the Avalanche, where he registered career highs in goals (6), assists (31), and points (37) in 76 games.
The Broader Implications for the NHL
This trade exemplifies a growing trend in the NHL: teams prioritizing both present-day competitiveness and future flexibility. The Penguins’ willingness to part with a veteran player for a younger, controlled asset demonstrates a long-term vision. Similar moves, such as the recent trade involving Tristan Jarry, suggest a strategic rebuild is underway in Pittsburgh.
Did you know? The Penguins now have more selections over the first three rounds in the next four drafts than any other team in the NHL.
FAQ
- What did the Penguins acquire in the trade? They acquired defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick.
- What did the Avalanche acquire? They acquired defenseman Brett Kulak.
- How long is Samuel Girard’s contract? His contract runs through the 2026-27 season.
- How many draft picks do the Penguins have over the next four years? They have 34 draft picks, with 20 in the first three rounds.
This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises, setting the stage for potential success in the seasons to come. The Penguins’ aggressive approach to asset accumulation and player acquisition signals a clear intent to contend for championships in the near future.
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