Colorado Avalanche Player Who Must Be Traded Soon: Samuel Girard
The Colorado Avalanche have a well-rounded and highly competitive roster, yet some tough decisions need to be made to continue their pursuit of long-term success. One such decision could involve trading defenseman Samuel Girard.
1. The Rise of Young Talent and Depth on Defense:
The Avalanche’s defense corps is deep, with talented players like Cale Makar, Devon Toews, and the addition of Ryan Johansen in the off-season. While Girard is undoubtedly a skilled defenseman, he has become somewhat redundant on a roster already loaded with high-caliber blue-liners. Makar and Toews, in particular, are top-tier players, while Girard’s style of play—smaller in stature but quick and offensive-minded—overlaps with their skill sets, especially as the team has shifted its focus toward a more balanced defensive lineup.
2. Salary Cap and Financial Flexibility:
The Avalanche are also facing significant salary cap challenges, especially with a large contract commitment to key players such as Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar. Trading Girard could free up valuable cap space, allowing the team to make moves at the trade deadline, either to bolster their playoff push or to acquire assets that fit their future needs.
3. A Potential Change of Scenery:
While Girard has shown flashes of brilliance, including his ability to transition the puck and his agility in the offensive zone, his play at times can be inconsistent. The Avalanche may feel that his development has plateaued, and that a change of scenery would benefit both the player and the organization. Girard would undoubtedly bring in quality assets in return, whether that’s in the form of future draft picks or other players that fit the team’s current needs.
4. Trading Girard: What Could the Avalanche Get?
Given Girard’s skill set, age (25), and contract (a manageable $5 million cap hit until 2026), there would be several contenders lining up to acquire his services. The Avalanche could leverage his ability as a two-way defenseman to add another forward or bolster their depth, potentially adding a piece who could make an immediate impact as the playoffs approach. A trade to a team needing a puck-moving defenseman would give the Avalanche the opportunity to maximize their return.
Conclusion:
Although Samuel Girard is a talented player, the Colorado Avalanche’s roster structure, salary cap considerations, and depth on defense may make him a prime candidate to be traded in the near future. A trade could provide the team with valuable assets, whether it’s cap flexibility or a more fitting piece to help the team reach its ultimate goal of winning another Stanley Cup. For Girard, a fresh start with a new team might be the best way to unlock his full potential and continue his career progression.
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