Colorado Avalanche reportedly looking to ditch defenceman

Before the Vegas Golden Knights managed to land jack Eichel in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres, there were a few teams attempting to put together packages to get the centre. One of those teams was the Colorado Avalanche and one report states one of the key pieces that would have been going to the Sabres is defenceman Sam Girard. While the Avs were unsuccessful in getting Eichel, it appears the attempt to get rid of Girard and his cap hit continues.

"I believe Sam Girard was the big piece in the efforts to get Jack Eichel here and I still think Girard is going to get traded," said Mike Chambers of the Denver Post. "I think the Avs want a forward for him and they want to lose his $5M long term cap hit."

Girard, 23, is just in year two of a seven-year deal, so why would the Avalanche want to get rid of him now?

"They were highly unhappy with how Sam Girard played in the 2nd round series against Vegas [in 2020-21]. His turnovers, he didn't produce offensively, he was not good and I think that has lingered on into this season and primarily it's Bo Byram that has showed the Avs that he's better than Girard," continued Chambers."

Girard, a former 2nd round draft pick of the Nashville Predators, has never been a big goal scorer. However, he has put up assists in bunches and, at one point, seemed like a blueliner who could contribute offensively. That has fizzled lately. In eight games so far this season, Girard has just three assists and is a minus-7. Given his cap hit and the number of years left on his contract, he could be a very tough sell for the Avs unless GM Joe Sakic is willing to accept peanuts in return or throw in something else to sweeten the deal for a potential trade partner.

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