Avalanche Journal: Samuel Girard and the challenge of trading team-friendly contracts

As the Colorado Avalanche navigate the upcoming offseason, balancing talent and cap space has become a critical task. One name at the center of this financial puzzle is defenseman Samuel Girard. Although his $5 million AAV contract is widely regarded as team-friendly, trading it poses unique challenges—and potential risks.

The Value of Samuel Girard

At 27, Girard has become a consistent presence on Colorado’s blue line. With 11 goals and 68 points in his last 208 games, he has shown he can be a reliable second- or third-pair defenseman with the versatility to contribute on both the penalty kill and power play. When compared to other defensemen with similar production—like Winnipeg’s Neal Pionk, who earns $7 million annually—Girard provides great value for the cost.

But that value is precisely what complicates things. In today’s NHL, where the salary cap is set to rise to $95.5 million, players with contracts below market rate are gold. Trading away Girard might create more cap space—but replacing him with someone of similar caliber could easily cost more.

The Dilemma: Trade or Keep?

Girard has often found himself in trade rumors, especially given Colorado’s need to free up money for extensions and new signings. However, his contract provides stability for a team that’s already paying a premium for its stars like Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon. Girard isn't flashy, but he's dependable. And for a cap-conscious front office, that dependability at $5 million might be too valuable to let go.

There’s also the chemistry factor. Girard has grown with this core Avalanche group. Trading him could disrupt the defensive pairings and potentially require adjustments that cost the team more—on the ice and on the books.

Looking Ahead

Colorado is expected to pursue upgrades this offseason, especially up front. But unless a trade package brings in a game-changing forward or top-tier prospect, moving Girard might be shortsighted. The Avalanche could instead prioritize moving other pieces or exploring creative ways to extend key players without sacrificing their defensive depth.

Final Thoughts

In a market where undervalued contracts are rare, Samuel Girard’s deal is a strategic asset. While it may be tempting to move him for cap flexibility, the Avalanche must ask: Can we find a better defenseman at a similar price? The answer may determine whether Girard stays or goes—but either way, he’s proven to be more than just a number on the cap sheet. He's a core piece of Colorado’s continued quest for contention.