Kyle Dubas fielded questions submitted through email after the Penguins sent Brett Kulak to Colorado for Samuel Girard and a second-round pick.
On if Girard is an upgrade over Kulak for any reason other than youth: "Brett came in and really played good hockey for us the last 2 plus months. He was able to play in all situations and help our team play very good hockey. We view Sam as someone with similar playoff experience, who was signed for an additional season and that can help to continue to help our team as a we push down the stretch here."
On if Girard still has untapped potential: "I’m not sure that 'untapped potential' is the best way to describe it, we just feel that we will have more opportunity here for Sam. In Colorado, he was behind a great group on the back end of a team that sits atop the league table and has the entire year. We feel Sam can play higher in our lineup because of his ability to play both special teams, ability move the puck effectively up the ice, mobility and ability to defend using his feet and intelligence."
On any concern over balance after disrupting the Kulak-Letang pair: "We are always seeking ways to improve the present and future of the Penguins. Of course, all trades have a chance to impact certain chemistry within the group but based on what have learned about Sam and what we already know about our coaching staff, support staff and players is that they have shown the ability to welcome in new additions this season and get them into good form very quickly."
On how long they've been looking at Girard: "Our personnel department led by Wes Clark and Andy Saucier on the pro side have put a lot of time into Sam Girard for the past year and he has been a player that we have targeted as someone who could make great use of increased opportunity here in Pittsburgh."
THE ASYLUM
Dubas on Girard trade
Kyle Dubas fielded questions submitted through email after the Penguins sent Brett Kulak to Colorado for Samuel Girard and a second-round pick.
On if Girard is an upgrade over Kulak for any reason other than youth: "Brett came in and really played good hockey for us the last 2 plus months. He was able to play in all situations and help our team play very good hockey. We view Sam as someone with similar playoff experience, who was signed for an additional season and that can help to continue to help our team as a we push down the stretch here."
On if Girard still has untapped potential: "I’m not sure that 'untapped potential' is the best way to describe it, we just feel that we will have more opportunity here for Sam. In Colorado, he was behind a great group on the back end of a team that sits atop the league table and has the entire year. We feel Sam can play higher in our lineup because of his ability to play both special teams, ability move the puck effectively up the ice, mobility and ability to defend using his feet and intelligence."
On any concern over balance after disrupting the Kulak-Letang pair: "We are always seeking ways to improve the present and future of the Penguins. Of course, all trades have a chance to impact certain chemistry within the group but based on what have learned about Sam and what we already know about our coaching staff, support staff and players is that they have shown the ability to welcome in new additions this season and get them into good form very quickly."
On how long they've been looking at Girard: "Our personnel department led by Wes Clark and Andy Saucier on the pro side have put a lot of time into Sam Girard for the past year and he has been a player that we have targeted as someone who could make great use of increased opportunity here in Pittsburgh."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!