The Colorado Avalanche just shook up their blue line by trading Samuel Girard for Brett Kulak. Dive into our expert analysis and NHL trade grades to see who truly won this deal.
The trade deadline creates a unique kind of chaos, and the Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins just added fuel to the fire. NHL trade grades In a move that prioritizes grit over flash, Colorado sent Samuel Girard and a pick to Pittsburgh for Brett Kulak. Let’s break down the logic behind this defensive swap.
Trade Breakdown: The Pieces Involved
| Team | Acquires | Sends Away |
| Colorado Avalanche | Brett Kulak (D) | Samuel Girard (D), 2028 2nd Round Pick |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Samuel Girard (D), 2028 2nd Round Pick | Brett Kulak (D) |
Why the Avalanche Moved on from Samuel Girard
On the surface, seeing Colorado move a puck-moving defenseman like Samuel Girard feels like a shift in philosophy. However, the emergence of Sam Malinski changed the math in Denver. Malinski’s recent four-year extension made Girard’s $5 million price tag a luxury the Avs could no longer afford.
In terms of NHL trade grades, Colorado is clearly betting on fit over “pedigree.” Girard is an elite skater, but at his size, he can occasionally be bullied in the heavy traffic of a deep playoff run. By bringing in Kulak, the Avalanche get a player who is 6-foot-1 and carries a much more manageable $2.75 million cap hit. This move wasn’t just about the player; it was about the $2.25 million in cap space it cleared up for future deadline fireworks.
Brett Kulak: The Under-the-Radar Playoff Warrior
While he isn’t a household name, Brett Kulak is exactly the kind of “glue guy” championship teams crave. During the Oilers’ run to the Finals last year, Kulak proved he could handle massive minutes when injuries struck. He is mobile enough to keep up with Colorado’s transition game but heavy enough to clear the crease.
The sting for Avalanche fans comes from the “plus” in the trade. Giving up a second-round pick on top of Girard feels like a steep price. Our initial NHL trade grades reflect that Colorado paid a premium for salary flexibility. However, if GM Chris MacFarland uses that extra cap room to land a top-six forward, this deal will look like a masterstroke by April.
The Pittsburgh Penguins: A Masterclass in Asset Management
Kyle Dubas continues to work wonders with the Penguins’ roster. By acquiring Girard, he gets a 27-year-old defenseman who is five years younger than Kulak. NHL trade grades Pittsburgh is essentially getting a younger, high-upside player and a valuable draft asset for a player they originally acquired as a “salary dump.”
The Penguins are in a strange spot—trying to stay competitive while their core icons, Letang and Karlsson, age. Girard provides a succession plan. He can eat big minutes and regain the form that once made him one of the most promising young defenders in the league. In the world of NHL trade grades, this is a clear “A+” for the Penguins front office.
Analyzing the Impact on the Western Conference Power Balance
Colorado is clearly building a team designed to survive the Western Conference gauntlet. While Girard is a fantastic regular-season performer, the postseason is a different beast. By swapping him for Kulak, the Avs’ defensive corps becomes much harder to play against.
When looking at the NHL trade grades for this specific swap, it’s a classic case of a contender trading “potential” for “certainty.” Kulak fits the third-pair role perfectly alongside Malinski, creating a duo that can shut down opposing scoring threats without being a liability in their own zone.
Conclusion: Who Won the Trade?
In the short term, this trade provides both teams with exactly what they needed. Pittsburgh gets younger and adds draft capital, while Colorado finds the cap relief and defensive size necessary for a Stanley Cup push. However, the fact that Colorado had to attach a second-round pick to move a talented player like Girard makes the NHL trade grades slightly lopsided in favor of the Penguins for now.
The true grade for Colorado will depend on what they do next. If that $2.25 million in savings leads to a blockbuster acquisition, nobody in Denver will miss that 2028 second-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the Avalanche have to give up a 2nd round pick in this trade?
The pick was likely included to offset the difference in age and to entice Pittsburgh to take on Girard’s $5 million contract, which runs longer than Kulak’s.
2. How does this move affect the Avalanche’s salary cap?
Colorado saves approximately $2.25 million this season and next. This is a massive win for a team looking to add more talent before the trade deadline.
3. Is Brett Kulak better than Samuel Girard?
“Better” is subjective. Girard has more offensive upside and better skating, but Kulak offers more size and defensive reliability, which often carries a higher value in the playoffs.
4. What are the final NHL trade grades for this deal?
Currently, we give the Penguins an A+ for value and the Avalanche a C+, with the caveat that Colorado’s grade will rise if they use their new cap space effectively.
5. Could the Penguins trade Samuel Girard again?
Yes. Since Girard has another year on his contract after this season, Pittsburgh could easily flip him next year for even more assets if he performs well in their system.
