As the Colorado Avalanche enter what promises to be a pivotal offseason, all eyes are turning toward one of the most delicate decisions the front office may face: whether to trade defenseman Samuel Girard — a move that, while potentially pragmatic from a cap-management standpoint, could carry wide-ranging implications both on and off the ice.
Girard, who has spent seven seasons in an Avalanche uniform, remains under contract through the 2026-27 season at a modest $5 million annual cap hit — a figure widely regarded as “team-friendly” in today’s NHL landscape. At just 26 years old, the mobile, puck-moving blueliner has been a steady contributor, providing the kind of second-pair stability that’s often overlooked but critical to a team’s long-term success.
Yet that very affordability is part of what makes him a trade candidate in Colorado’s cap-conscious calculations.
Cap Crunch and Tough Choices
With several major contracts already on the books — including those of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen, and Devon Toews — the Avalanche are approaching the point where financial flexibility becomes a luxury they can’t afford to waste. That’s especially true with younger players like Bowen Byram and potential free agent additions demanding consideration.
Trading Girard could free up valuable cap space and return future assets, but it’s not a simple subtraction. He’s not just a number on a spreadsheet — he’s a trusted part of the team’s defensive core, a player who logs significant minutes, skates well, and brings playoff experience. He’s also a popular figure in the locker room, known for his work ethic and quiet leadership.
“Sammy’s one of those guys who’s always consistent,” head coach Jared Bednar said during exit interviews. “He may not always make the highlight reel, but you feel it when he’s not in the lineup. He moves the puck, he calms things down — he’s a key part of our system.”
Value vs. Vulnerability
Girard’s contract is appealing to teams around the league for exactly the same reason it could be considered expendable in Colorado: it provides strong value without breaking the bank. In a league where teams are constantly trying to extract maximum performance per dollar, Girard is an attractive option — especially to clubs looking to shore up their top-four defense.
But therein lies the dilemma: once a team gives up a reliable, cap-efficient player like Girard, replacing him with someone of equal caliber often costs more — or requires gambling on unproven talent.
“You don’t win championships with just your stars,” said one Western Conference scout. “It’s guys like Girard, guys who can play 20 minutes a night without costing $7 or $8 million, who allow you to spend elsewhere. If you move him, you better have a plan.”
Colorado’s front office, led by general manager Chris MacFarland, has shown a willingness in past offseasons to make bold, calculated moves. But they’ve also demonstrated caution when it comes to maintaining the chemistry and structure that helped win the 2022 Stanley Cup.
The decision to part with Girard — if it comes — won’t be taken lightly.
Internal Options and Market Watch
One factor that could influence the Avalanche’s direction is the development of younger defensemen in the pipeline. Bowen Byram, when healthy, has shown flashes of elite ability, and 2023 draft pick Mikhail Gulyayev is progressing steadily. If management believes those players are ready to assume bigger roles, Girard may become the odd man out.
At the same time, Colorado may explore the trade market to address other areas of need — particularly at second-line center or middle-six wing — and Girard could serve as a central piece in such a deal.
Still, any move would have to account for the loss of a dependable two-way defenseman who’s helped shape the team’s identity over the past several seasons.
“It’s easy to say ‘just trade a defenseman,’” noted NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun recently. “But Colorado plays a high-paced, possession game. You can’t just plug anyone into that system. Girard fits, and that has real value.”
The Human Element
Beyond the on-ice and cap implications, there’s also the human side of the decision. Girard has grown up in the Avalanche organization. He was part of the blockbuster Matt Duchene trade in 2017 and has since become one of the longest-tenured players on the team.
“He’s been through it all with us,” said captain Nathan MacKinnon. “Wins, losses, injuries — he’s battled. That kind of presence matters.”
As the Avalanche chart their course for another Cup run, their leadership must weigh the benefits of freeing up cap space against the risk of disrupting a proven core. Trading Samuel Girard may look logical on paper — but in the world of elite hockey, logic doesn’t always win championships.
For now, the Avalanche remain tight-lipped about their offseason plans. But one thing is certain: the path forward won’t be as simple as dollars in and dollars out.
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