The Colorado Avalanche made a significant trade Tuesday, sending defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 draft pick to Pittsburgh for Brett Kulak. This marks Kulak’s second trade this season after moving from Edmonton to Pittsburgh in December.
The Colorado Avalanche made a significant roster move Tuesday, trading defenseman Samuel Girard along with a 2028 second-round draft selection to the Pittsburgh Penguins in return for defenseman Brett Kulak.
This marks Kulak’s second trade within the current season. The 32-year-old defender previously moved from the Edmonton Oilers to Pittsburgh on December 12th as part of a larger transaction involving goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner.
Throughout this season’s 56 games split between Edmonton and Pittsburgh, Kulak has contributed nine points, including one goal and eight assists.
Over his NHL career spanning 636 games, Kulak has accumulated 134 total points with 29 goals and 105 assists while playing for Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton, and Pittsburgh.
Colorado’s general manager Chris MacFarland expressed gratitude for Girard’s contributions, stating: “First of all, we would like to thank Samuel for all he has done for the Avalanche organization both on and off the ice over the last nine seasons. ‘G’ is a great person and teammate and was a big part of the group that helped our turnaround back in 2017. We wish him and his family the best of luck in Pittsburgh.”
Regarding the incoming player, MacFarland added: “In Brett, we are acquiring a two-way defenseman who can play up and down the lineup. He logs big minutes in all situations and brings a ton of playoff experience that will help our blue line depth.”
The 27-year-old Girard has posted 12 points this season through 40 games, recording three goals and nine assists with a plus-12 rating for Colorado.
As a member of Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship team, Girard leaves the Avalanche with 235 career points, including 37 goals and 198 assists across 588 games with Nashville and Colorado.
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