Report: Avalanche Could Still Have Interest in UFA Defenseman

The Avalanche are still trying to navigate an injury to defenseman Samuel Girard — one of just two left-shot NHL regulars on their blueline.

Girard skated again in a red non-contact jersey on Saturday. And when he exited the ice, he had a limp that didn’t quite look like a guy that’s going to take contact anytime soon. That’s pure speculation on my behalf, but I can’t imagine they rush him back in October unless he’s fully healthy. It’s unnecessary.

When Sam Girard left the ice before official group activities got going, he was limping pretty noticeably and looked very uncomfortable

— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) September 20, 2025

If Girard is not ready for opening night, it means the Avs have Devon Toews on the top pair and a combination of Sam Malinski and Keaton Middleton likely rounding out the left side of the blueline. Head coach Jared Bednar has said multiple times that he’s hopeful to have Girard for opening night.

Middleton, if or when he plays, should be on the third pair. But he’s probably not an everyday player. And Malinski is shifting to his off wing and it’ll probably take a little bit of time for the RHD to adjust to that side.

Which brings us to the latest from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic and TSN. LeBrun reported that Matt Grzelcyk turned down a one year, $1 million offer from a Western Conference team. The 31-year-old defenseman, who is also a lefty and similar in size to Girard, had 40 points in 82 games with Pittsburgh last season.

He also made $2.75 million.

Grzelcyk didn’t get a contract on July 1 and his pending status stretched all throughout the summer until he accepted a professional tryout with the Chicago Blackhawks. Players on PTO’s can sign with any team they want. They’re not linked to that one specific team. Historically, players have attended camp with one franchise only to sign elsewhere weeks later.

It’s unclear if that one-year offer came from the Avs, but LeBrun also pointed out that Colorado is among the four teams that could still be an option for Grzelcyk.

“Whatever happens, Grzelcyk should end up on a one-year, prove-it contract somewhere this season,” LeBrun said.

Perhaps the Avs are monitoring Girard’s status to see if Grzelcyk becomes more of a necessity. We’ll have to see what the next couple of weeks bring.