Samuel Girard Bio
Samuel Girard is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 12, 1998, in Roberval, Quebec, Girard began his hockey career early and quickly rose through the ranks to become a key player for the Avalanche, contributing to their Stanley Cup victory in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Samuel Girard was born to Guylaine, a family day care educator, and Tony Girard, a forklift driver. He grew up in Roberval, Quebec, alongside his siblings Jérémy, Christopher, and Jessica. From a young age, Girard showed a passion for hockey, starting to play at the age of four. Both he and his brother Jérémy played midget hockey, though financial constraints led Jérémy to stop playing AAA hockey.
Girard trained extensively during his youth, working with coaches to improve his strength and stamina. He participated in the 2011 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament and played AA Bantam hockey for the Lac-St-Jean Espoirs. His early dedication earned him spots at notable camps and recognition as a top prospect in Quebec junior hockey.
Path to Hockey
Girard advanced through the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League with the Jonquière Élites, earning First All-Star Team and Top Defenceman honors. He was drafted third overall by the Shawinigan Cataractes in the 2014 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Entry Draft. During his time with the Cataractes, Girard developed his skating and physical strength under specialized coaching, increasing his weight and muscle mass significantly.
In his rookie season, Girard scored his first QMJHL goal in overtime and earned the Raymond Lagacé Trophy as Defensive Rookie of the Year. His sophomore season saw further success, including 74 points in 64 games and awards such as the Emile Bouchard Trophy for Defenseman of the Year and the Frank J. Selke Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship. He also represented the QMJHL in the CHL Canada/Russia Series.
Samuel Girard Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
After excelling in junior hockey, Girard was selected 47th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract but was returned to junior hockey to complete his final season. He led the Shawinigan Cataractes in assists and points and was named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team. Girard then joined the Predators’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, where he scored his first professional goal in April 2017.
Girard made his NHL debut with the Predators in October 2017, recording an assist in his first game and scoring his first NHL goal in his second game. He appeared in five games before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in November 2017.
Colorado Avalanche Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Girard debuted with the Avalanche during their Global Series in Stockholm, Sweden, playing top-pairing minutes and contributing an assist. He quickly became a regular in the Avalanche lineup, finishing the 2017–18 season with 23 points and helping the team qualify for the playoffs. Despite suffering an injury during the postseason, Girard established himself as a reliable defenseman.
In the 2018–19 season, Girard played all 82 games, ranking second among Avalanche defensemen with 27 points. He continued to develop his game, signing a seven-year, $35 million contract extension in July 2019. The 2019–20 season saw Girard reach new career highs, including a four-assist game and joining teammate Cale Makar as one of the first NHL defensemen under 22 to reach 30 points since 1993–94.
Girard played a significant role in the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run until a broken sternum sidelined him in the second round. The team went on to win the Stanley Cup, marking a career milestone for Girard.
Playing Style and Strengths
Samuel Girard is known for his smooth skating, mobility, and puck-moving ability. His strong edge work and balance allow him to navigate the ice effectively, drawing comparisons to players like Duncan Keith and Brian Campbell. Coaches value his ability to play important minutes against top opposing lines and his strategic understanding of the game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Girard’s first NHL goal came early in his career, and his rapid development earned him a long-term contract with the Avalanche. His contributions to Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship stand out as a career highlight. He is also recognized for his iron man streak and resilience on the ice.
Samuel Girard Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Samuel Girard has established himself as a consistent and effective defenseman, contributing to team success and accumulating notable personal achievements. His role in the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory underscores his impact at the highest level of professional hockey.
Colorado Avalanche Highlights
Since joining the Avalanche in 2017, Girard has been a key part of the team’s defensive core. He has recorded multiple career-high seasons in points and ice time, demonstrating steady improvement. His playoff experience includes the 2022 Stanley Cup championship, a pinnacle achievement in his career.
Other Wins & Performances
Before his NHL career, Girard earned several awards in junior hockey, including Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defenseman of the Year honors in the QMJHL. He also represented Canada internationally, winning a gold medal at the 2015 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Samuel Girard Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Samuel Girard comes from a supportive family in Roberval, Quebec. His parents, Guylaine and Tony Girard, encouraged his hockey pursuits from a young age. His brother Jérémy also played hockey, though financial constraints limited his ability to continue at higher levels. Girard is the nephew of Guy Larouche, the mayor of Roberval.
Personal Life
Girard is known for his charitable efforts, including fundraising for cystic fibrosis research, a cause close to his family. He has also contributed to the development of young players through donations to power skating schools. In 2018, Girard was involved in a minor car accident but recovered without serious injury.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Samuel Girard is expected to continue his role as a top defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche. His experience and skill set position him as a key contributor to the team’s defensive strategies and playoff aspirations. The Avalanche will rely on Girard’s skating ability and hockey intelligence as they aim to build on their recent successes.