Big changes could be on the horizon for both the Colorado Avalanche and the Montreal Canadiens—and it all centers around a name that fans in Quebec know well.

Recent reports from respected journalist Aarif Deen have ignited a firestorm of speculation, suggesting that the Avalanche are not just considering, but actively planning a trade involving defenseman Samuel Girard.

This is more than the usual rumor mill chatter; it’s a situation that appears to have real momentum behind the scenes. With Girard’s Quebec roots, the Montreal Canadiens have instantly become a focal point in the swirling trade talks, raising questions and excitement among both fanbases.

But what exactly is going on behind closed doors? Could Girard, a Stanley Cup champion with a solid track record and a team-friendly contract, be the missing piece for Montreal’s blue line? Or is there more to the story than meets the eye?

As whispers grow louder and the stakes get higher, one thing is clear: the outcome of this developing saga could have lasting implications for both teams. The full story is more complex—and more intriguing—than it first appears. Are you ready to find out what’s really happening?

Dec 21, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) controls the puck as defenseman Samuel Girard (49) defends against Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) in the third period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Journalist Aarif Deen has just reported important news involving 27-year-old Quebec-born defenseman Samuel Girard.

In Girard’s case, it seems to be more than just a simple trade rumor.

Deen straight-up stated that, according to his information, the Colorado Avalanche have outright “planned” to trade Girard.

Colorado Avalanche Has Plans to Trade Samuel Girard, and the Montreal Canadiens Are Targeted

You read that correctly.

Aarif Deen: Regarding the Avalanche: “I still stand by the thought that the team had and continues to have plans to trade Sam Girard.”

– Colorado Hockey Now

He even added that the Avalanche has actual plans for a trade involving Girard, and possibly because of his Quebec roots, the Montreal Canadiens were immediately linked to the situation.

Personally, I don’t see how it could happen, but just know that the Avalanche are seriously planning to trade Girard (whether it’s to the Montreal Canadiens or somewhere else).

Samuel Girard, 27 years old, is a left-shot Quebecois defenseman, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.

He was a second-round pick of the Nashville Predators in 2016 (47th overall) and has 223 points in 548 career NHL games, including 34 goals.

Girard has also added a solid 28 points in 67 NHL playoff games. He won the Stanley Cup with the Avs in 2022.

He earns $5 million per year through 2027, so his contract is quite reasonable, and he recorded 24 points in 73 games during the 2024-25 season.

Do you think he’d be a good third-pair defenseman in Montreal, replacing someone like Mike Matheson or Arber Xhekaj / Jayden Struble?