Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche kick off the trade deadline by exchanging defenders in Tuesday trade

In a significant shakeup to their defensive corps, the Colorado Avalanche have officially traded defenseman Samuel Girard to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for veteran blueliner Brett Kulak, confirming an initial report by Elliotte Friedman.

The Deal

To Colorado:

• Brett Kulak (LD)
  
  
  

Source: Brett Kulak @ Elite Prospects

To Pittsburgh:

• Samuel Girard (LD)
  
  

Source: Samuel Girard @ Elite Prospects

Analysis: Colorado

This move is as much about the salary cap as it is about the on-ice fit. By moving on from Girard, a player whose name has circled the rumor mill for years, the Avalanche clear a crucial $2.25M in cap space for the stretch run and beyond. In Kulak, Colorado gets a highly reliable, battle-tested defender who rarely makes mistakes and brings deep playoff experience. He provides a sturdier, more defensive-minded presence on the left side to balance out Colorado's heavily offensive blue line.

Analysis: Pittsburgh

GM Kyle Dubas strikes again, flipping a pending UFA for a premier puck-moving defenseman with term. Girard is a textbook fit for Dubas's philosophy: an elite skater who transitions the puck up the ice efficiently. While they take on additional salary, the Penguins acquire a top-four defenseman who is still in his prime. Girard immediately upgrades Pittsburgh's transition game and provides an excellent secondary option to quarterback the power play.

Cap Implications

• Samuel Girard: $5.0M AAV (Signed through 2026-27)

• Brett Kulak: $2.75M AAV (Expiring UFA 2026)

• Net Change: Colorado gains $2.25M in cap space; Pittsburgh absorbs $2.25M.