Avalanche acquire D Brett Kulak from Penguins

The Colorado Avalanche acquired Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday in exchange for fellow defenseman Samuel Girard and a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

The trade was the second of the season for Kulak, who was acquired by the Penguins from the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 12 in a deal that included goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner.

Kulak, 32, has recorded nine points (one goal, eight assists) in 56 games this season with Edmonton and Pittsburgh.

He has totaled 134 points (29 goals, 105 assists) in 636 career games with the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Oilers and Penguins.

"First of all, we would like to thank Samuel for all he has done for the Avalanche organization both on and off the ice over the last nine seasons. 'G' is a great person and teammate and was a big part of the group that helped our turnaround back in 2017," Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said. "We wish him and his family the best of luck in Pittsburgh.

"In Brett, we are acquiring a two-way defenseman who can play up and down the lineup. He logs big minutes in all situations and brings a ton of playoff experience that will help our blue line depth."

Girard, 27, has 12 points (three goals, nine assists) and a plus-12 rating in 40 games with the Avalanche this season.

A 2022 Stanley Cup champion with Colorado, Girard has 235 points (37 goals, 198 assists) in 588 career games with the Nashville Predators and Avalanche.

--Field Level Media