Penguins Acquire Girard, 2028 Second-Round Pick from Avalanche for Kulak
Defenseman Brett Kulak of the Edmonton Oilers (right) and forward Eeli Tolvanen of the Seattle Kraken during a game. Photo credit: Jenn G.
Written By Gina Anton
As the March 6 NHL trade deadline draws near, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche made a significant move to reshape their blue lines, finalizing a defense-focused swap on February 24, 2026. Pittsburgh acquired veteran defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick, while Colorado received veteran defenseman Brett Kulak in return.
Penguins Add a Skilled Blueliner and Future Draft Pick
The Penguins bolstered their blue line by bringing in Samuel Girard, a 27-year-old defenseman signed through the 2026-27 season with a $5 million average annual value. Girard has recorded 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) and a +12 rating in 40 games this season while averaging about 17:41 of ice time per game, numbers that reflect his role as a two-way defenseman with offensive upside.
Across his career, Girard has amassed 235 NHL points (37 goals, 198 assists) in 588 regular-season games, along with 28 points in 67 Stanley Cup Playoff contests and a Stanley Cup championship in 2022 with Colorado.
In addition to Girard, Pittsburgh also received a 2028 second-round draft pick, further enhancing the club’s deep reserve of draft assets, including 20 selections in the first three rounds over the next four drafts.
Avalanche Welcome Defensive Depth and Experience
From the Avalanche’s side, GM Chris MacFarland expressed appreciation for Girard’s long tenure with Colorado, noting his contributions both on and off the ice over nine seasons.
“G' is a great person and teammate and was a big part of the group that helped our turnaround back in 2017,” MacFarland said. “We wish him and his family the best of luck in Pittsburgh.”
Colorado heads into the final weeks before the trade deadline with Brett Kulak, a 32-year-old defenseman known for his versatility and two-way play. Kulak has nine points (1 goal, 8 assists) in 56 games this season between Pittsburgh and the Edmonton Oilers. Before that, he logged seven points in 25 games with the Penguins after arriving in December.
MacFarland also highlighted Kulak’s ability to play in all situations and bring playoff experience to Colorado’s roster, important traits for a club contending for top standings in the Western Conference.
Strategic Implications for Both Clubs
For Pittsburgh, this trade represents an effort to upgrade its left-side defense with a more mobile, offensively capable rearguard, while also preserving and adding to its collection of draft picks. Girard’s contract stability and multi-season club control were key considerations.
Colorado, meanwhile, gains a reliable defensive presence in Kulak, whose experience and penalty-killing abilities stabilizing a blue line that already ranks among the league’s best. The cap flexibility afforded by Kulak’s $2.75 million cap hit also gives the Avalanche flexibility should they pursue further adjustments before March 6.
As the 2025-26 season resumes following the Olympic break, this trade could prove to be a defining roster move for both teams, merging short-term competitive needs with long-term planning.
