History of Sam Girard in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2026

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

1989: First Player Since Jean Imbeau

In 2014, Sam Girard became the first player from Jonquière Elites to be drafted that high since Jean Imbeau was drafted in 1989.

1993: Multiple Defensemen Under 22

Since the 1993-94 season, the Avalanche are the first team with multiple defensemen under the age of 22 who have at least 30 points.

May 12, 1998: Sam Girard Born

On May 12, 1998, Samuel Girard was born in Roberval, Quebec, Canada. He is now a professional ice hockey player.

Others born on this day/year

2011: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 2011, Sam Girard played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Lac-Saint-Jean, marking an early stage in his hockey career.

2013: All-Star Team and Top Defenceman Honours

After the 2013-14 season, Sam Girard earned QMAAA First All-Star Team and Top Defenceman honours, highlighting his achievements in the Quebec Major AAA Hockey League.

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.

November 2, 2015: Third Star of the Week

On November 2, 2015, Sam Girard was named the Third Star of the Week after recording a goal and five assists in three games, showcasing his scoring success.

2015: Bulked Up to 164lbs

By 2015, Sam Girard had bulked up to 164lbs from his draft weight of 155lb, indicating his focus on physical development.

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.

December 23, 2017: Sucker Punched by Zac Rinaldo

On December 23, 2017, Sam Girard was sucker punched by Arizona Coyotes left winger Zac Rinaldo, leading to ejections and disciplinary action.

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: Car Accident

In 2018, Sam Girard fell asleep at the wheel while driving a Chevrolet Camaro after returning from a charity event and struck the parapet, causing major damage. He sustained minor neck pain and was transported to the hospital.

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.

December 19, 2019: Fined for Boarding

On December 19, 2019, Sam Girard was fined $1,957.89 for boarding Chicago Blackhawks winger Alex DeBrincat, indicating a disciplinary action taken against him.

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: Recognition Window and Honorary President

In 2019, the Benoît-Lévesque Sports Centre created a recognition window about Sam Girard's journey to the NHL. He was also invited to sit as honorary presidents of the cadet and juvenile division 1 School Hockey Championship.

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.