The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded defenseman Brett Kulak to the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick. Kulak, 32, began the season with the Edmonton Oilers before being part of the package that sent goaltender Tristan Jarry to Pittsburgh in December.

Kulak recorded one goal and seven points in 25 games for the Penguins, who entered the Olympic break second in the Metropolitan Division. The veteran defenseman now joins the Avalanche, who entered the break with an NHL-best 83 points and are seeking their second Stanley Cup since 2022. Kulak is in the final season of a four-year, $2.75 million annual contract.

The trade reunites Girard with the Penguins, where he'll remain under contract for one additional season after this year. The 25-year-old defenseman has played all but five games of his NHL career with Colorado since being acquired in the 2017 Matt Duchene trade. Pittsburgh's acquisition of the 2028 second-round pick adds to their draft capital, giving the franchise 16 picks in the first three rounds between 2026 and 2028.