Colorado’s Avalanche have traded defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second‑round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for left‑handed blueliner Brett Kulak. The move adds size, penalty‑kill expertise, and a stay‑at‑home style to Colorado’s third‑pairing as the team eyes a deep postseason run.
Trade Summary
Colorado Avalanche receive: Defenseman Brett Kulak (left‑hand shot, 6‑2, 215 lb).
Pittsburgh Penguins receive: Defenseman Samuel Girard (right‑hand shot, 5‑11, 195 lb) and a 2028 second‑round draft pick.
Who Is Brett Kulak?
Brett Kulak, 27, entered the NHL as a fifth‑round pick in the 2016 draft. After a standout junior career with the Seattle Thunderbirds, he turned pro with the Minnesota Wild organization, earning a reputation as a hard‑nosed, penalty‑killing specialist. Kulak debuted in 2019‑20, splitting time between the AHL’s Iowa Wild and the Wild’s NHL roster.
In the 2022‑23 season he posted a career‑high six points in 44 games, posting a 2.12 goals‑against average while on ice and a +4 plus/minus. His most recent stint with Pittsburgh saw him appear in 28 games, contributing one goal, four assists, and a 15:23 average time on ice per game, primarily on the third pairing.
Why Colorado Wants Kulak
The Avalanche boast elite top‑pair talent in Cale Makar, Erik Johnson, and Aaron Wheeler, but depth at the third‑pairing has been thin, especially against physical Western Conference opponents. Kulak’s size, defensive reliability, and penalty‑kill experience are expected to shore up Colorado’s back end.
Head coach Jared Guentzel explained:
“We’re looking for a player who can bring grit, a strong defensive mindset, and a willingness to win battles in our zone. Brett fits that mold. He’s a solid, responsible defenseman who can log minutes in our bottom six and still be trusted in critical situations.”
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Kulak’s left‑hand shot also adds balance to a defensive corps that has leaned heavily on right‑handed players.
What Pittsburgh Gains
The Penguins receive Samuel Girard, a younger, mobile defenseman who posted three points in 39 games for Colorado last season. Girard’s offensive upside and age make him a potential long‑term project for Pittsburgh’s evolving defensive unit.
In addition, the 2028 second‑round pick provides Pittsburgh with a future asset that can be used to draft a prospect or as trade capital.
Impact on Avalanche Playoff Push
Kulak’s addition adds depth that could prove pivotal in the Western Conference race. With the regular season winding down, Colorado is likely to slot him into the third defensive pairing, providing a reliable shutdown presence against rivals such as the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights.
If Kulak adapts quickly, his presence could free up minutes for younger players like Alex Newhook, allowing them more offensive opportunities while maintaining defensive stability.
Expert Perspective
Defensive coach Mike Babcock offered a practitioner’s view:
“From a coaching standpoint, Brett brings a work ethic and a willingness to do the little things that win games—positioning, back‑checking, and being physically engaged. He’s not a flashy player, but in a playoff environment that kind of reliability is gold.”
Looking Ahead
As the Avalanche approach the final stretch, the acquisition of Brett Kulak signals a strategic push to reinforce a defense that has been a cornerstone of Colorado’s success. While the trade costs a promising prospect in Girard and a future draft pick, the immediate need for a robust, stay‑at‑home blueliner outweighs long‑term considerations.
Fans can expect to see Kulak donning the Avalanche jersey at Ball Arena within days, likely paired with veteran defensemen as the team solidifies its lineup for a potential deep postseason run.
