Surprise development reveals shocking update on Avalanche star defenseman amid trade rumors
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sports
A recent report has unveiled a surprising development regarding standout Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard, adding even more fuel to the growing trade speculation surrounding his future.
Although Girard has found himself in trade chatter before, there's a sense that this situation carries a different weight altogether.
Massive update on Samuel Girard trade rumors.
Bill Scott from NHL Trade Rumor writes that Avalanche insider Aarif Deen reports that Colorado me be seriously considering dealing the talented defenseman, and honestly, it doesn't come as a shock. The signs have been there for a while, but only those paying close attention would've noticed.
"The key takeaway isn't just that Girard might be traded; it's why. This isn't a salary cap dump. The Avs have over $3.3 million in cap space with everyone signed. This is a strategic pivot." -Scott
Girard's ice-time plummeted in the postseason, from a top-three regular-season workhorse logging over 20 minutes a night to a fifth-option blueliner averaging just 17:38.
Paying $5 million annually for a third-pair defenseman simply isn't sustainable, regardless of his talent level. Colorado's hard push for Ryan Lindgren (which came up short) and their eventual addition of veteran Brent Burns make it clear that the front office is reshaping the blue line.
They appear to want a different blend on the back end, and given Girard's playing style and contract, he's increasingly looking like the odd man out.
"While the Avalanche aren't in a cap crunch that forces a trade today, General Manager Chris MacFarland is playing chess, not checkers. Keeping Girard in a reduced role is a luxury a contender can't afford. That $5 million could be re-allocated to bolster forward depth or acquire a different style of defenseman better suited for a bottom-four, penalty-killing role. The risk for the Avs is waiting too long." -Scott
If Girard opens the year stuck around 17 minutes a night, rival GM's may begin viewing his as someone the Avalanche are actively phasing out, which could dent his trade value. Moving sooner gives GM Chris MacFarland a chance to stay on front foot, pitching Girard as a legitimate top-four puck-moving defenseman who simply no longer aligns with Colorado's evolving blueprint.
"Let's be clear: this has been building. For the last two seasons, Girard's name would surface, only for the speculation to be quickly dismissed. Now, the context has changed. The playoff deployment was a massive red flag. He was a non-factor compared to his usual role. Add in his nine-team no-trade list, and you have a situation where the Avalanche need to be proactive to find a suitable trade partner that works for both the team and the player." -Scott
Locked in through 2026-27, Girard provides valuable cost certainty for any team looking to acquire him, but that term also prevents Colorado from simply riding out the deal. With training camp on the horizon, expect Girard's name to remain front and center in the trade rumor mill.
Source:
NHL Trade Rumor
Is Sam Girard on the Block? Inside the Avalanche Trade Rumors That Won't Go Away
NHL Trade Rumor
Is Sam Girard on the Block? Inside the Avalanche Trade Rumors That Won't Go Away
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AOUT 2 | 37 ANSWERS Surprise development reveals shocking update on Avalanche star defenseman amid trade rumors Do you think Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard starts next season in Colorado? | ||
| yes | 21 | 56.8 % |
| no | 16 | 43.2 % |
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