The Colorado Avalanche have acquired defenseman Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick.
From somewhere over the North Atlantic, trade details and thoughts:
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 24, 2026
To #GoAvsGo:
D Brett Kulak (pending UFA)
To #LetsGoPens:
D Samuel Girard
2028 2nd Round Pick
Kulak is a proven playoff playoff performer. Colorado had flirted with idea of moving Girard on/off for parts of 4…
Kulak was originally dealt to Pittsburgh from the Edmonton Oilers earlier this season as part of the Tristan Jarry trade. The 32-year-old veteran has recorded 9 points (1 goal, 8 assists) in 56 total games this season between the Oilers and Penguins. He currently carries a $2.75 million cap hit in the final year of his contract.
Throughout his 12-season NHL career, Kulak has been a reliable presence on the blue line for the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Meanwhile, Samuel Girard leaves Colorado after a nearly nine-year tenure with the franchise. A key member of the 2022 Stanley Cup championship team, the 27-year-old puck-moving defenseman appeared in 588 total games for the Avalanche.
Before the trade, Girard recorded 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) in 40 games during the 2025–26 campaign. He joins the Penguins with one year remaining on a contract that carries a $5 million cap hit.