Unexpected praise for Avalanche player sparks confusion with fans amid trade rumours
Photo credit: Michael Martin / NHLI
Samuel Girard maintained his reputation as a dependable blueliner for the Colorado Avalanche in the 2024-25 season, showcasing his agility and smooth skating at the blue line.
Yet again, Girard finds himself at the heart of trade rumours heading into the offseason.
Fans left scratching their head over the Avalanche's most underrated defenseman.
Coby Maier from NHL.com writes that during the 2024-25 season, Girard suited up for 73 regular-season games, tallying 24 points (3 goals, 21 assists) while averaging 20:51 of ice time. He added three points (1 goal, 2 assits) in seven playoff appearances.
He has played in at least 59 games in seven of his eight NHL seasons, including each of the past four.
Defensively Girard contributed 111 blocked shots and 62 hits, becoming just the second player in the past 20 years, alongside Devon Toews, in franchise history to post multiple seasons with at least 20 assists, 110 blocks, and 60 hits.
"Girard surpassed the 200-career point milestone in the team's season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 9th in one of his four multi-point games this season. Additionally, Girard posted four multi-game point streaks, highlighted by a three-game point streak from November 29th to December 3rd." -Maier
Two of Girard's three goals during the season were game-winners, a personal best. One of those clutch moments came in overtime on November 11th, when he lifted the Avalanche to a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators.
Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, Girard has two seasons left on his current deal. He's approaching key milestones, just 52 games shy of 600 in his career and only 11 assists away from reaching 200.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 14 | 38 ANSWERS Unexpected praise for Avalanche player sparks confusion with fans amid trade rumours Do you think Samuel Girard is one of the NHL's most underrated defenseman? | ||
| yes | 28 | 73.7 % |
| no | 10 | 26.3 % |
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