Penguins Acquire Samuel Girard from Avalanche

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenseman Samuel Girard from the Colorado Avalanche for Brett Kulak and a 2028 second-round pick. A 10-year veteran, Girard has 12 points in 40 games this season and is signed through 2026-27 at a $5 million AAV. The move is expected to give him an expanded role, including power-play time, potentially boosting his production. Girard is a good puck-mover and strong in transition, with underlying numbers indicating his ability to drive possession. The Avalanche traded him to clear cap space.