Stanley Cup Champion and now Former Veteran Defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche Sam “La Tornade” Girard’s 8-year tenure has come to an end in Colorado. Girard has been traded, and now on his way to join Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins to potentially pair on the same D-Line as Kris Letang, one of the greatest defensemen of all time.
In return, the Colorado Avalanche will receive Brett Kulak and a 2028 2nd Round Pick. Kulak played all 82 games for the Edmonton Oilers in 2024-25 and also played in both Stanley Cup finals for Edmonton. This will be the final year for Kulak’s expiring 4-year contract that also carries a $2.75 million cap hit and will save Colorado close to $3 million in cap space.
Brett Kulak bounced around the league this year, initially being traded from Edmonton to Pittsburgh in a package deal. Brett Kulak (6’1”, 190lbs) is a much bigger defenseman and more physical than Sam Girard (5’10”, 162lbs), but Sammy G can move the puck more effectively. So, the Av’s will gain on one end and lose a bit on the other. Girard had a great run in Colorado, and his presence will be missed by his teammates and staff.
Jared Bednar on Brett Kulak as Defenseman:
“ This is a big strong guy that defends really well. He’s got a ton of experience as well. So, it’s just a different look for us. I think Kulak is a guy that depending on how you’re matching up in the playoffs that he can go up and play with a guy like Cale if I want to move Toewser against another team’s top line.”
- – Head Coach, Jared Bednar
Captain Gabe Landeskog’s comments on what Sam Girard meant to the organization:
“Once again, it’s just a reminder of what the business looks like and what industry we’re in… Going to miss G no doubt, first and foremost. Going to miss him, his personality and him as a player. You know he’s been here for a long time. I still remember when he first got here, he was a young little pup, and now he’s not. He’s got a family of his own and he’s grown so much and been on a heck of a journey. So, all the respect to G in the world and I’m sure he’s going to do great.”
- – Colorado Avalanche Captain, Gabe Landeskog
There have been rumors circulating about former Avalanche player, Nazem Kadri wanting out of Calgary. And it wouldn’t be a surprise if Coach Bednar were to consider adding some more depth at the center position with a possible reunion to bring back Kadri who made a huge impact during Colorado’s last successful Stanley Cup run in 2022.
After moving Girard to Pittsburgh, the Colorado Avalanche now have $8.7 million in cap space to work with, which is the focal point of this trade. This will more than likely lead to Colorado making a couple more potent transactions before the trade deadline.
Girard was earning $5 million as Colorado’s 6th defenseman, which is a bit much for what Girard has been producing in recent times compared to other NHL defensemen making the same amount. He is a good defenseman but has been a turnover machine lately in the neutral zone.
Sammy G is no doubt a good hockey player, and a fan-favorite in Colorado. He will be dearly missed by the fans, but this move had to be made considering there are certain contracts that Colorado’s front office will need to be revisited soon.
Dante Robinson | Senior NHL Analyst for The NSR Network
