Avs Get Kulak for Girard, 2nd Rounder

The Avalanche acquire Brett Kulak from the Penguins in return for Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round pick, shaking up both rosters post-Olympic break. Kulak's heavy minutes and playoff pedigree make him a plug-and-play fit for Colorado's deep blue line, especially on the PK. Pittsburgh bolsters its attack with Girard's vision, but the real intrigue lies in how these vets mesh amid tight standings.