The Colorado Avalanche have significantly bolstered their blue line, acquiring veteran defenceman Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a major trade finalized on 24 February 2026. The deal, which comes as the NHL trade freeze lifts following the 2026 Winter Olympics, sees Colorado send defenceman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick to Pittsburgh.
This transaction marks the second time Kulak has been moved during the 2025-26 campaign. The 32-year-old Edmonton native began the season with his hometown Edmonton Oilers before being traded to the Penguins on 12 December 2025, in a blockbuster deal that involved goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner.
Trade Breakdown
| Team | Acquires |
|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | Brett Kulak (D) |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Samuel Girard (D), 2028 2nd-Round Pick |
Player Profile: Brett Kulak
Kulak, a reliable left-shot defender, has built a reputation as a “playoff ace” due to his skating ability and defensive reliability. During his brief 25-game stint in Pittsburgh, he recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) while providing a steadying presence on the second pairing.
- Born: 06 January 1994 (Edmonton, AB)
- Position: Defenceman
- Contract Status: Pending Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA)
- 2025-26 Stats (Combined): 8 points in 50+ games (Edmonton/Pittsburgh)
Strategic Impact
For the Avalanche, the acquisition of Kulak is viewed as a move to toughen their defensive corps for a deep post-season run. While Girard offered superior offensive flair, Kulak provides a more traditional defensive profile and cap flexibility, as he is in the final year of a contract with a $2.75 million average annual value (AAV).
In Pittsburgh, the arrival of Samuel Girard signals a shift toward more puck-moving mobility from the back end. The Penguins also secured a future asset in the 2028 second-round selection, helping restock a cupboard thinned by recent “win-now” trades.
As the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline approaches, this swap is expected to be the first of several high-profile moves as Western Conference contenders react to Colorado’s aggressive reinforcement of their roster.