Career Timeline of Sam Girard: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sam Girard made an impact.

Samuel Girard is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. Drafted 47th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2016, he was later traded to the Avalanche in 2017. Girard is known for his agility and puck-moving skills on the ice. A significant achievement in his career includes winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 15, 2014: First Career QMJHL Goal

On November 15, 2014, Sam Girard recorded his first career QMJHL goal in overtime to beat the Rouyn-Noranda 5–4, marking a significant achievement in his junior hockey career.

2014: Drafted by Shawinigan Cataractes

In 2014, Sam Girard was drafted third overall by the Shawinigan Cataractes in the QMJHL Entry Draft, a significant milestone in his junior hockey career.

2014: Top Draft Prospect

Leading up to the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft, Sam Girard was considered a top draft prospect for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), setting the stage for his junior hockey career.

2015: Hlinka Gretzky Cup Gold Medal

In 2015, Sam Girard competed with Canada men's national junior ice hockey team at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and won a gold medal.

September 29, 2016: Signed Entry-Level Contract

On September 29, 2016, Sam Girard signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators, solidifying his entry into professional hockey.

2016: Drafted by Nashville Predators

In 2016, Sam Girard was drafted 47th overall by the Nashville Predators in the NHL Entry Draft, marking a significant step in his career.

2016: National Junior Team Development Camp Invitation

In 2016, Sam Girard was invited to Team Canada's National Junior Team Development Camp, marking his potential as a future national team player.

2016: Ranked 38th Overall

Leading up to the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Sam Girard was ranked 38th overall for North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, indicating his potential as a prospect.

April 14, 2017: First Career AHL Goal

On April 14, 2017, Sam Girard recorded his first career AHL goal in a 6–2 win over the Rockford IceHogs while playing for the Milwaukee Admirals.

October 10, 2017: NHL Debut

On October 10, 2017, Sam Girard made his NHL debut during the Predators' 2017–18 season home opener against the Philadelphia Flyers. He also recorded his first point with an assist.

October 12, 2017: First NHL Goal

On October 12, 2017, Sam Girard scored his first NHL goal in just his second game against the Dallas Stars. He also recorded an assist.

November 5, 2017: Traded to the Colorado Avalanche

On November 5, 2017, Sam Girard was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in a three-team trade, marking a significant change in his NHL career.

November 10, 2017: Avalanche Debut

On November 10, 2017, Sam Girard made his Avalanche debut in Stockholm, Sweden, during their Global Series games against the Ottawa Senators. He registered an assist in the 4–3 overtime defeat.

2017: National Junior Team Development Camp Invitation

In 2017, Sam Girard was invited to Team Canada's National Junior Team Development Camp, continuing his involvement with the national program.

2017: Trade to the Avalanche

In 2017, Sam Girard was traded to the Colorado Avalanche after briefly playing for the Nashville Predators, starting a new chapter in his NHL career.

2018: Played All 82 Games

During the 2018–19 season, Sam Girard played in all 82 games and tied for second amongst Avalanche defensemen in points with 27, showcasing his consistency and contribution to the team.

2018: Stanley Cup Playoffs

In 2018, Sam Girard helped the Colorado Avalanche qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. He made his post-season debut but suffered an Upper-Body Injury.

July 31, 2019: Contract Extension

On July 31, 2019, Sam Girard signed a seven-year, $35 million contract extension with the Avalanche, securing his future with the team.

2019: Fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis

In 2019, Sam Girard and his father hosted a pocket game tournament to raise funds towards a cure for cystic fibrosis, reflecting his commitment to charitable causes. He also donated a portion of his profits from the QMJHL to the Julie Robitaille's School of Power Skating who helped him train.

2019: Improved On-Ice Success

In 2019, Sam Girard recorded career-high numbers in his first three seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, showing his improved on-ice success.

2019: Season with the Avalanche

Sam Girard began the 2019–20 season with the Avalanche in the NHL.

January 6, 2020: Playing with the Avalanche

On January 6, 2020, Sam Girard was photographed playing with the Colorado Avalanche against the New York Islanders.

January 2020: Girard with the Colorado Avalanche

During January 2020, Sam Girard was photographed with the Colorado Avalanche.

2022: Broken Sternum

During the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, Sam Girard exited Game 3 of the second round due to a broken sternum and missed the remainder of the playoffs, which the Avalanche won.