The Pittsburgh Penguins are making moves.

The Penguins acquired defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Brett Kulak, the team announced. It's a trade that addresses needs for both franchises as the playoff push intensifies.

For Pittsburgh, this is about adding a puck-moving defenseman who can skate and create offense from the back end. Girard is 26 years old, carries a reasonable cap hit, and gives the Penguins another option as they try to squeeze one more playoff run out of the Sidney Crosby era.

Let's be honest: the Penguins' championship window is closing fast. Crosby is still brilliant, but he's not getting any younger. Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang are in the same boat. This franchise knows it needs to win now, and that means making aggressive moves at the trade deadline.

Girard gives them a defenseman who can transition the puck and join the rush. At 5-foot-10, he's not going to punish anyone physically, but he's got great skating ability and hockey IQ. In Pittsburgh's system, he should fit right in.

For Colorado, this is about getting tougher on the back end. Kulak is a steady, physical defenseman who can kill penalties and play hard minutes. The Avalanche have plenty of skill - what they needed was more bite. Kulak provides that.

Plus, they get out from under Girard's contract, which still has term remaining. The Avs are always working the cap, and this trade gives them more flexibility going forward.