Penguins Trade Brett Kulak to Avalanche in Salary Dump Deal

Acquisition of Samuel Girard and 2028 draft pick bolsters Pittsburgh's defense and future assets.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:26am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, and white, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The Penguins' strategic trade for Samuel Girard and draft picks reflects their commitment to both short-term competitiveness and long-term rebuilding.Today in Pittsburgh

In a surprising move, the Pittsburgh Penguins have traded defenseman Brett Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche. In return, the Penguins received defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick. The trade is a multi-faceted strategy involving a salary dump, draft pick accumulation, and a defensive upgrade for the Penguins.

Why it matters

This trade demonstrates the Penguins' savvy asset management and ability to leverage their salary cap space. By taking on Girard's contract, the Penguins strengthen their defensive corps while also stockpiling future draft picks, positioning themselves for both short-term competitiveness and long-term rebuilding.

The details

The Avalanche were eager to offload Girard's contract, which has a $5 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season. The Penguins, with ample salary cap space, were willing to acquire Girard, a puck-moving defenseman who fills a left-shot need on their roster. In addition to Girard, the Penguins also received a 2028 second-round draft pick, further bolstering their future assets.

  • The trade was completed on April 13, 2026.

The players

Brett Kulak

A defenseman who was previously traded to the Penguins.

Samuel Girard

A defenseman acquired by the Penguins in the trade, known for his puck-moving abilities.

Kyle Dubas

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, known for his strategic use of the salary cap and accumulation of draft picks.

Tristan Jarry

The goaltender previously traded by the Penguins, whose trade tree has now expanded to include this latest deal.

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What’s next

The Penguins will look to integrate Girard into their defensive corps and continue to build their future through the additional draft picks acquired in the trade.

The takeaway

The Penguins have executed a savvy trade that addresses their short-term needs while also setting them up for long-term success. By leveraging their salary cap space and accumulating valuable draft assets, the Penguins have demonstrated their commitment to both competing in the present and building a sustainable future.