Colorado Avalanche defenceman Sam Girard has entered the NHL trade rumors mill as reports are suggesting that the Avs are looking to re-sign free agent Nazem Kadri but need to free up salary cap space to sign Naz.
Girard, 24, is a solid top-4 defenceman with a Avalanche salary cap hit of $5,000,000 /year for the next five seasons.
We’re almost 48 hours into free agency and the top center and defenseman have yet to sign. Have to wonder if there isn’t a door wide open for Nazem Kadri to return to Colorado IF Avalanche can move out some money. It would cost them but may be worth it.
Stephen Whyno, Associated Press
Girard is a sweet, puck-moving defenseman with dangerous offensive ability. But those skills are not as essential to the Avalanche’s defense of the Cup as what Kadri or another legit No. 2 center could provide this team in its quest to repeat.
Mark Kiszla, Fort Morgan Times
The New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks have the salary cap space to take on Girard’s contract and the Avalanche would be selling low as teams know a Girard trade is a salary dump move.
If the Avalanche decide not to trade Girard and move on from Kadri, the likely destination for Naz is the Detroit Red Wings.
