DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed defenseman Samuel Girard to a seven-year contract extension through the 2026-27 season.

\Girard, 21, appeared in all 82 games for the Avalanche this past season, extending his ironman streak to 150 consecutive regular-season contests (longest active streak on the team). He finished second among Colorado defensemen with 27 points (4g/23a), surpassing his rookie season total (23) from 2017-18. The Roberval, Quebec, native finished sixth on the club in average ice time (19:53) and third in even-strength ice time (17:44). He added two assists (0g/2a) in nine playoff contests.

Selected by Nashville in the second round (47th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Girard was acquired by Colorado from Nashville as part of a three-team deal with Ottawa on Nov. 5, 2017.

“Samuel has been one of our best all-around defensemen since joining the Avalanche,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President / General Manager Joe Sakic. “He plays important minutes and is someone our coaches count on to play against other teams’ top lines. He has an exceptional ability to skate and move the puck. As a member of our core, we felt it was important to sign him to a long-term deal and we are excited to announce this extension.”

added 11:27am, Breakdown is below.