The Pittsburgh Penguins have continued reshaping their blue line, trading defenseman Brett Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 draft pick.
Kulak, who joined Pittsburgh in December via trade, is on the move again after a relatively short stint with the Penguins. The deal sends him to a Colorado club that has consistently emphasized mobility and experience on the back end. For the Avalanche, adding Kulak provides another veteran option on defense, with a player who has logged significant NHL minutes and can handle a steady role in a team’s defensive rotation.
Heading to Pittsburgh is Samuel Girard, a puck-moving defenseman known for his skating and ability to transition play from the defensive zone to the offensive end. Girard’s style fits the growing league-wide emphasis on speed and quick outlets from the back end. His addition gives the Penguins another defenseman capable of moving the puck efficiently and contributing to possession-based play.
The trade also includes a future asset for Pittsburgh in the form of a 2028 draft pick. While the specific round of the selection was not disclosed, the inclusion of a pick underscores the Penguins’ effort to balance their current roster needs with longer-term planning. Gaining a younger defenseman in Girard, along with a future draft choice, offers Pittsburgh a measure of flexibility as it manages its roster and prospect pipeline over the coming years.
For Colorado, the move signals a willingness to adjust its defensive mix by bringing in Kulak, who offers a different profile than Girard. Kulak has experience in various roles and can be used in multiple situations, depending on team needs and coaching preference. His presence may help stabilize pairings or add depth during a demanding regular season and potential playoff run.
Both clubs address distinct needs through the trade: Colorado secures a reliable, experienced defender in Kulak, while Pittsburgh adds a mobile, offensive-minded blue-liner in Girard and an additional future draft asset. The move reflects the ongoing roster maneuvering typical of teams looking to refine their identities and strengthen their chances in an increasingly competitive NHL landscape.
