Avalanche Sign Girard to 7-Year Extension

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche locked up defenceman Samuel Girard with a seven-year extension that runs through the 2026-27 season.

The 21-year-old Girard played in all 82 games last season. He finished with four goals and 23 assists for a Colorado team that’s made back-to-back playoff appearances.

It was Girard’s second season with Colorado after being acquired from Nashville as part of a three-team deal with Ottawa on Nov. 5, 2017. He was originally a second-round pick in ’16 by the Predators.

Colorado Avalanche Samuel Girard Calgary Flames James Neal
Colorado Avalanche defenceman Samuel Girard turns with the puck as former Calgary Flames left wing James Neal defends (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)

Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic says Girard has an “exceptional ability to skate and move the puck.”

Colorado boasts a young and exciting blue line with Girard, Cale Makar and Bowen Byram, the fourth overall pick in the June draft.

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The Associated Press