Avalanche Acquire Veteran Defenseman Brett Kulak from Penguins for Samuel Girard and 2028 Draft Pick

The Colorado Avalanche have bolstered their defensive lineup by acquiring veteran defenseman Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. The trade, announced on February 24, 2026, aims to provide the Avalanche with added depth and experience on the blue line.

Trade Details

• To Pittsburgh Penguins: Samuel Girard, 27, and a 2028 second-round draft pick.
• To Colorado Avalanche: Brett Kulak, 32.

Samuel Girard’s Tenure with the Avalanche

Girard spent nine seasons with the Colorado Avalanche organization, initially arriving in a trade from the Nashville Predators in November 2017. He registered 232 points (36 goals and 196 assists) in 583 career games with the Avalanche. His ice time had decreased this season, averaging 17:41 compared to 20:51 last season, and he had recently recovered from an upper-body injury. Girard’s contract carries a $5 million cap hit and extends through next season.

Brett Kulak Joins the Avalanche

Kulak brings a wealth of experience to the Avalanche, having played for the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, and Calgary Flames throughout his career. He has accumulated 134 points (29 goals and 105 assists) in 636 regular-season games. Kulak is a pending unrestricted free agent with a $2.75 million cap hit. He has 24 points in 98 career Stanley Cup Playoff games and was a member of the Edmonton Oilers teams that reached the last two Stanley Cup Finals.

Avalanche’s Rationale for the Trade

According to Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland, the acquisition of Kulak adds a two-way defenseman capable of playing in all situations and provides valuable playoff experience. The trade as well frees up $2.25 million in salary cap space for the Avalanche. MacFarland expressed gratitude for Girard’s contributions to the organization, noting his role in the team’s turnaround in 2017.

Penguins’ Perspective

The Penguins acquire a skilled offensive defenseman in Girard, who has exceeded the 30-point mark three times in his NHL career.

Sources: The Hockey News, Mile High Sports, AP News, ESPN