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, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.
Girard, 27, has been a core member of the Colorado blue line for several seasons and was a key contributor during the team's 2022 Stanley Cup championship run. Known for his elite skating and puck-moving abilities, the Quebec native brings a dynamic offensive element to the Penguins defensive corps. Girard is currently playing through a long-term contract extension he signed with the Avalanche in 2019, which carries an average annual value of $5 million and is set to run through the 2026-27 season.
In exchange, the Avalanche receive Brett Kulak, a veteran defenseman recognized for his reliable defensive positioning and transition play. Kulak has established himself as a durable presence on the blue line throughout his NHL career, providing the Avalanche with a steady veteran hand as they navigate the current season. The inclusion of a 2028 second-round pick provides Pittsburgh with significant future draft capital as they look to balance immediate roster improvements with long-term asset management.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
