Fresh report details Avalanche's plans for star defenseman Samuel Girard
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY
Colorado Avalanche defensemen Samuel Girard has been facing trade rumours for years, but none of them have come to fruition, and at the end of the day, he should be looked at more as a mainstay for the Avalanche than trade bait.
Even from recent polls, Avalanche fans do not want to see Girard go, and also believe he's a pillar for the defence core.
Samuel Girard should be a long term option for the Colorado Avalanche.
Ryan O'Hara of Mile High Hockey highlighted the value Samuel Girard provides and argued that the Avalanche should invest in him as a core piece rather than dangling him as trade bait.
"The calls for the Avalanche to part ways with Girard have grown more pronounced over the past year. Yet, according to a June 10 poll conducted by Mile High Hockey's Adrian Hernandez, a clear majority of fans remain opposed to trading the defenseman. That has not, however, deterred others from continuing to spin out hypothetical trade scenarios." -O'Hara
A recent rumour has linked Girard to a potential trade with Detroit for Red Wings newcomer Albert Johansson. But the move doesn't make much sense, as Colorado needs to strengthen its left side alongside Girard, not swap him for another left-handed defenseman.
Johansson is also still unproven at the NHL level, having produced just nine points last season.
"While Detroit remains in need of a left-handed defenseman, GM Steve Yzerman is unlikely to pursue Girard for several reasons. First, Johansson secured a two-year contract extension on June 30, carrying a $1.125 million AAV, signaling the organization's intent to retain him for a while. Additionally, the Red Wings' blue line struggled with physicality and aggressiveness last season-a deficiency Yzerman has actively sought to address." -O'Hara
Girard remains one of the Avalanche's most underrated defensemen, thriving in Colorado's system that emphasizes speed and puck movement over sheer physicality.
He fits that mold perfectly, providing steady defense while serving as a reliable puck mover.
The Avalanche would be wise to silence the trade rumors and keep Girard as part of their long-term plans.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 28 | 24 ANSWERS Fresh report details Avalanche's plans for star defenseman Samuel Girard Do you agree with the majority of the fans to keep Samuel Girard long term for the Colorado Avalanche? | ||
| yes | 11 | 45.8 % |
| no | 13 | 54.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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