Penguins trade Brett Kulak to Avalanche for Samuel Girard and 2028 second-round pick

The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded defenseman Brett Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick. This deal, announced shortly after the Olympic break and trade freeze lifted, marks Kulak’s third team in as many months.[1][2] Kulak, who started the season with the Edmonton Oilers, brings veteran stability to Colorado’s blue line as they chase a second Stanley Cup since 2022.

Pittsburgh gains a puck-moving defenseman in Girard and additional draft capital, bolstering their future asset pool ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.[3] The Penguins entered the break second in the Metropolitan Division, eyeing their first playoff appearance since 2021-22.

Trade breakdown and immediate context

Brett Kulak heads to Colorado after posting a goal and seven points in 25 games with Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old is in the final year of a four-year, $2.75 million AAV contract, making him an attractive rental for contenders.[1] Acquired by the Penguins in December as part of the package that landed goaltender Tristan Jarry from Edmonton, Kulak’s quick turnaround underscores the fluid NHL trade market this season. That earlier Penguins-Oilers goalie swap reshaped both teams’ netminding strategies.

Samuel Girard, 28, moves east after spending nearly his entire career with the Avalanche. Drafted by Nashville in 2016, he came to Colorado in the 2017 Matt Duchene trade and has appeared in all but five games since.[1] Girard’s $5 million cap hit runs through 2026-27, after which he becomes an unrestricted free agent. His speed and playmaking could slot him into Pittsburgh’s top-four defense immediately.

The 2028 second-round pick adds to Pittsburgh’s impressive draft stockpile—now 16 selections in the first three rounds from 2026 to 2028. This move signals GM Kyle Dubas’s focus on sustainability amid a resurgent season.[4] Penguins president of hockey operations confirmed the acquisition via official channels, stating it enhances their defensive depth and future flexibility.

Colorado, sitting atop the NHL with 83 points entering the break, prioritizes blue-line reliability for a deep playoff run. Kulak’s steady, shutdown style complements stars like Cale Makar and Devon Toews. The Avalanche resume play aiming to repeat as Western Conference powers.

Kulak’s journey and fit in Colorado

Kulak’s path to Colorado traces back to his Oilers tenure, where he was flipped midseason for Jarry amid Edmonton’s goaltending woes. In 25 games with Pittsburgh, he provided dependable minutes but wasn’t a long-term piece for their contention window. Now, returning to the Western Conference feels poetic for the veteran.

At 32, Kulak excels in penalty kill situations and pairs well with offensive defensemen. His acquisition addresses Colorado’s depth concerns exposed during injuries last postseason. Expect him to log 18-20 minutes nightly, stabilizing the third pairing.

Historical parallels abound: defensemen like Kulak often thrive as trade deadline pickups. Recall Ryan Graves going from New Jersey to Colorado in 2022, bolstering their Cup run. Kulak’s experience in high-stakes games positions him similarly.

Colorado’s front office emphasized cap flexibility in the deal, shedding Girard’s term for a cost-controlled asset. This mirrors their aggressive approach post-2022 championship.

Impact on the Penguins’ roster and strategy

Pittsburgh welcomes Girard, whose elite skating and power-play prowess address their defensive mobility needs. The Penguins’ recent acquisition of Yegor Chinakhov from Columbus shows a pattern of injecting youth while contending. Girard fits seamlessly, potentially logging alongside Kris Letang.

With a 29-15-12 record, Pittsburgh holds a wildcard spot but eyes Metro supremacy. This trade maintains cap space for further moves before March 6.[5] Dubas’s draft capital hoard—now amplified—offers leverage in a seller’s market if needed.

Girard’s track record includes 30-plus points in prior full seasons, a boon for Pittsburgh’s offense-starved blue line. Teammates praised his arrival, per team statements.

Long-term, Girard’s UFA status post-2026-27 allows Pittsburgh re-signing options or flip potential. It balances short-term contention with future planning.

The Penguins return Thursday against New Jersey, with Girard likely debuting soon after.

Avalanche’s push for another Cup

Colorado’s 83 points lead the league, underscoring their dominance even sans Nathan MacKinnon at times during the Olympics. Trading Girard creates room for Kulak’s plug-and-play role, avoiding overcommitment long-term.[6]

Key stats highlight their edge:

• League-best goals-for percentage (58.2%)
• Top-3 power play at 27.4%
• Fewest goals against per game (2.41)

Kulak bolsters their penalty kill, ranked mid-pack. His addition echoes past moves like acquiring Jack Johnson for grit in 2022.

Bedard-era contenders like Colorado thrive on depth. This deal preserves flexibility amid looming extensions.

Penguins’ draft capital and deadline outlook

Pittsburgh’s 16 picks through 2028 rival rebuilding teams, per reports. This influx stems from savvy deals like today’s.

Deadline tiers position Penguins as mild buyers:

1. Defensive help (achieved)
2. Scoring winger
3. Goaltending insurance

Analysts grade the trade B+ for both sides, balancing immediate and future needs.[4]

Girard’s Penguins tenure could mirror his Avalanche impact—steady, unsung contributions.

As the stretch run begins, this swap exemplifies post-Olympic maneuvering, with playoff races intensifying.[7]

Both teams emerge stronger: Colorado fortified for playoffs, Pittsburgh stocked for sustainability. Watch how Kulak and Girard adapt—their play could swing seasons. With the deadline looming, expect more fireworks in the NHL’s hottest market.