Brett Kulak Dealt to Colorado, Girard and second going back to the Penguins

The first major deal of the NHL trade deadline has struck, as Penguins defenceman Brett Kulak is sent to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenceman Sam Girard and a second-round pick. The Avalanche were looking to free up cap space and get bigger on defence, and Brett Kulak solves both of those issues.

With Kulak carrying a $2.75M cap hit, the Avs gain much-needed flexibility moving Girard’s $5M contract that takes him through the end of next season. Look for Colorado to make a major move at forward ahead of the March 6th deadline with this flexibility.

Dubas Masterclass

On December 12 of last year, the Oilers traded goaltender Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round draft pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In exchange, the Oilers acquired netminder Tristan Jarry and forward Sam Poulin.

After already retaining a second-round pick in the deal, Dubas now acquires another after flipping Kulak to the Avalanche just months later. This is A+ asset management for the former Leafs GM, as he not only gains another high-value pick, but also a solid puck-moving defenceman that can aid the Penguins as they push towards the playoffs.

Colorado addresses a need, and Pittsburgh continues to prepare itself for life after Sidney Crosby, while building a roster good enough to give him a few more playoff pushes before retirement.

PTB Trade Grade

Colorado: B+

Pittsburgh: A+

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