Avalanche fans clash over polarizing trade spark involving franchise player
Photo credit: AP Photo / David Zalubowski
The notion of the Colorado Avalanche trading Samuel Girard has been debated for years, and the reaction is always consistent: fans can't stand it.
However, with limited salary cap space, the Avalanche once again find themselves in a position where trade discussions, like those involving Girard, are resurfacing.
Avs fans clash over polarizing trade spark involving Samuel Girard.
Graham Tiedtke from Mile High Sticking writes that Colorado currently has only $1.2 million in cap space, and moving Girard could potentially clear a significant chunk of that. However, any savings would depend on the contract of the player coming back in return. It's far from certain that the Avalanche are actively pursuing a trade.
"Every single time that I see the idea of moving Girard floating around, it's met with pushback by Avalanche fans. That makes sense. Fans sometimes get attached to players and don't ever want to see them go to another team. I get it. The exact same thing happened when Mikko Rantanen went to the Stars after Colorado traded him to Carolina. Of course, Rantanen's second move was out of the Avalanche's control." -Tiedtke
Here are just a few examples of times when there was strong pushback against the idea of trading Girard...
Sam Girard is highly underrated by Avalanche fans, many often calling for him to be traded and i don't understand why. Great player that has been with the franchise for almost a decade.
When will you fans stop trying to trade Sam Girard?
Why are Avs fans all wanting to trade Sam Girard? I will never understand it
Girard recorded three goals and 21 assists over 73 regular-season games this past year. He logged the third-highest average ice time among Avalanche defenseman at 20:51 per game, trailing only Cale Makar and Devon Toews, and ranked second in average shifts per game (26.8), just behind Toews (27.6). Those numbers reflect the significant trust head coach Jared Bednar places in him.
Another impressive stat where Girard stands out is blocked shots. He recorded 111 this season, ranking second on the team behind only the exceptional Makar.
"Ideally, the Avalanche don't have to move on from Girard. They could find a couple of players to fit right into the lineup, starting with re-signing Sam Malinski (restricted free agent), Joel Kiviranta, and perhaps Jonathan Drouin. Those moves would solve so many holes for the team this year under horrible cap restrictions. Like I said recently, Kiviranta and Malinski won't cost a lot right now. The questions is going to be about whether Drouin wants to re-sign on an inexpensive deal again or move on and try to secure more money." -Tiedtke
That said, if the Avalanche were to trade Girard this year, it wouldn't be without reason. It would likely be a move to free up cap space in order to add depth through free agency or trades. As tough as it is, that's just the reality of professional sports, sometimes difficult decisions have to be made for the greater good of the roster.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 15 | 31 ANSWERS Avalanche fans clash over polarizing trade spark involving franchise player Should the Avalanche trade Samuel Girard to clear up some cap space this offseason? | ||
| yes | 16 | 51.6 % |
| no | 15 | 48.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
