Penguins Acquire Defenseman Girard, Draft Pick in Trade with Avalanche

Pittsburgh bolsters blue line, gains cap flexibility in deal for Brett Kulak

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the movement and action of a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and the flow of the game.The Penguins' strategic trade acquisition of defenseman Samuel Girard reshapes their blue line and provides cap flexibility for the future.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for veteran blueliner Brett Kulak. The move strengthens the Penguins' defensive corps while providing cap flexibility as Girard carries a lower cap hit than the outgoing Kulak.

Why it matters

This trade represents a strategic move by the Penguins to improve their roster while managing their salary cap situation. Girard, a key member of Colorado's 2022 Stanley Cup-winning team, brings offensive skills and puck-moving ability that should complement Kris Letang on Pittsburgh's second defensive pairing. The additional draft pick also enhances the Penguins' future prospects.

The details

In the deal, the Penguins acquire 27-year-old defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick from the Avalanche. In exchange, Pittsburgh sends 32-year-old defenseman Brett Kulak to Colorado. Girard carries a $5 million cap hit, while Kulak was in the final year of a $2.75 million contract, giving the Penguins more flexibility under the salary cap.

  • The trade was completed on April 10, 2026.

The players

Samuel Girard

A 27-year-old defenseman who was a key member of the Colorado Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup-winning team. Girard is known for his offensive skills and puck-moving ability.

Brett Kulak

A 32-year-old defenseman who was traded from the Penguins to the Avalanche in this deal. Kulak is known for his steady, cerebral approach to the game.

Kris Letang

A veteran defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who is expected to form a formidable duo with the newly acquired Samuel Girard on the team's second defensive pairing.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to add a player of Samuel's caliber to our blue line. His offensive skills and puck-moving ability will be a great complement to our group.”

— Ron Hextall, General Manager, Pittsburgh Penguins

What’s next

The Penguins will look to integrate Girard into their defensive system and see how he performs alongside Letang. The Avalanche, meanwhile, will aim to utilize Kulak's steady presence on their blue line as they defend their Stanley Cup title.

The takeaway

This trade represents a strategic move by the Penguins to improve their defensive corps while also managing their salary cap situation. The addition of Girard and the draft pick enhances Pittsburgh's roster and future prospects, while the Avalanche acquire a reliable veteran in Kulak to bolster their own defensive depth.