What Happened
The NHL trade season has officially commenced following the end of the Olympic break. The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded defenceman Brett Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenceman Samuel Girard and a second-round pick in 2028, as announced by both teams.
Why It Matters
Kulak, 32, has participated in 56 games this season, recording one goal and eight assists, while maintaining a minus-five rating. His move to the Avalanche marks his second trade this season, having previously been acquired by the Penguins from the Edmonton Oilers. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that Kulak will make his team debut against the Utah Mammoth. With a cap hit of $2.75 million, Kulak is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, making this trade significant for both teams as they navigate their rosters for future seasons.
What’s Next
As Kulak joins the Avalanche, he brings a wealth of experience from 12 NHL seasons, having played for teams including the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile, Girard will transition to the Penguins, where he has averaged 17:41 of ice time this season. This trade could reshape the dynamics of both teams as they prepare for the remainder of the NHL season.
