Welcome to the latest edition of our NHL Notebook, where we dive into the latest happenings around the league with a keen eye on the Vancouver Canucks. As the trade deadline approaches on March 6, all eyes are on potential moves the Canucks might make. But while Vancouver has been quiet since the Olympic roster freeze lifted, other teams are stirring the pot.
Avalanche and Penguins Swap Defensemen
In a notable move, the Colorado Avalanche have acquired Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Sam Girard and a 2026 second-round pick. This trade shakes things up for both teams as they gear up for the playoff push.
Kulak, who started the season with the Edmonton Oilers, had a slow start with just two assists in 31 games. However, a mid-December trade to the Penguins revitalized his play.
Since then, he’s tallied a goal and six assists in 25 games, while his defensive metrics at 5v5 have shown improvement. Now, Kulak joins an Avalanche squad sitting pretty at the top of the NHL standings with a 37-9-9 record.
He's in the final year of a four-year, $11 million deal, making him a cost-effective addition with a $2.75 million cap hit.
On the flip side, Sam Girard, a long-time member of the Avalanche, heads to Pittsburgh. Over nine seasons with Colorado, Girard has notched 36 goals and 196 assists in 583 games. His journey began with the Nashville Predators, where he played five games before being a key piece in a 2017 three-team blockbuster trade involving the Predators, Avalanche, and Ottawa Senators.
Girard's contract, a seven-year, $35 million deal, carries a $5 million cap hit. The emergence of Sam Malinski, who recently secured a four-year extension with Colorado, made Girard a tradeable asset. This move allows Pittsburgh to utilize their cap space effectively, gaining Girard and an additional second-round pick.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has been busy, transforming assets like Tristan Jarry and Samuel Poulin into Stuart Skinner, Samuel Girard, and two second-round picks. It's a strategy that could serve as a blueprint for teams like the Canucks as they navigate their own rebuilds.
Don't Miss the Trade Deadline Special
As the trade deadline looms, join the Daily Faceoff team on March 6 for comprehensive coverage of all the action. From 8 AM-12:30 PM PT, tune in for live updates, expert insights, and exclusive guest appearances on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel. Stay informed and catch every twist and turn of deadline day.