There has been constant speculation for years that defenseman Samuel Girard could emerge as a trade candidate for the Colorado Avalanche. But most of the proposals don’t make much sense.
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.
One proposal that’s garnering some attention calls for the Avalanche to trade Girard to the Detroit Red Wings for 24-year-old left handed defenseman Albert Johansson. Who has played one season in the NHL with a grand total of nine points.
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. The acquisitions of Travis Hamonic and Jacob Bernard-Docker add grit and strength to the defensive corps, while enhancements to the penalty kill through the signings of Mason Appleton and James van Riemsdyk further underscore Detroit’s commitment to building a more robust, well-rounded roster.
Yzerman is the type of general manager who typically favors veterans and established NHL players, particularly those who bring a physical dimension to the lineup. While Girard is undoubtedly a skilled defenseman, he is relatively undersized for the position, standing 5-foot-10 and listed at weighing roughly 170 pounds—well below the league average for NHL blueliners.
Johansson, by contrast, has demonstrated both physicality and defensive responsibility. Last season, he recorded 70 body checks and 83 blocked shots over 61 games, and he was on the ice for four short-handed goals in a category where the team has historically struggled. Detroit’s coaching staff clearly believes in Johansson’s potential; he is projected to average 18 to 20 minutes of ice time per night in his second NHL season, leaving ample room for continued development and impact.
While the Avalanche could use an extra left-handed defenseman with improved positioning and hockey IQ, the Red Wings are very unlikely to ship Johansson and are unlikely to have any interest in Girard at this point. Plus, what the Avalanche actually need is another left handed defenseman in addition to Girard.
Girard often flies under the radar despite his importance to the Avalanche. While he will never possess the bone-crunching physicality of a Scott Stevens, Colorado’s system is built on speed, precision, and dynamic puck movement—an environment in which Girard thrives. His skating, vision, and decision-making make him a pivotal component in transitioning the puck and sustaining offensive pressure. Colorado should keep him a part of this organization for as long as they can.
