Avalanche acquire Kulak from Penguins — The Fourth Period
The Colorado Avalanche have acquired defenceman Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenceman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick.
Kulak, 32, was acquired by Pittsburgh in a trade with Edmonton on Dec. 12, 2025 and suited up in 25 games with the Penguins, tallying one goal and six assists.
“First of all, we would like to thank Samuel for all he has done for the Avalanche organization both on and off the ice over the last nine seasons. ‘G’ is a great person and teammate and was a big part of the group that helped our turnaround back in 2017,” said Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland. “We wish him and his family the best of luck in Pittsburgh.
“In Brett, we are acquiring a two-way defenseman who can play up and down the lineup. He logs big minutes in all situations and brings a ton of playoff experience that will help our blue line depth.”
The Edmonton native has accumulated 29 goals and 105 assists for 134 points in 636 career regular-season games with Pittsburgh, Edmonton, the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames.
Kulak was originally drafted by the Flames in the fourth round (105th overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft.
Girard, 27, is signed through the 2026-27 season and carries an average annual value of $5 million.
The 2022 Stanley Cup Champion is currently in his ninth NHL season, splitting his career between Colorado and the Nashville Predators. Girard has tallied three goals, nine assists, 12 points and a plus-12 in 40 games this season.
The Roberval, Quebec native has recorded 37 goals for 198 assists for 235 points in 588 career NHL games.
He was drafted in the second round (47th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators.
Pittsburgh now has 34 draft picks over the next four NHL drafts, which includes 20 selections in the first three rounds. No team has more selections over the first three rounds in the next four drafts than the Penguins.
