Girard suffered an upper-body injury in Game 2 in Calgary and missed the next three games. With Girard returning to the lineup, the Avalanche are expected to go with 11 forwards and seven defenseman but it remains unclear whether Girard or Cale Makar will quarterback the second power-play unit—they alternated in Thursday’s practice.
Girard is dealing with an injury, missed the morning skate and will not play in Game 3 vs. the Flames. Luckily for the Avalanche, they signed top prospect Cale Makar on Sunday and he will replace Girard in the lineup and on the second power-play unit.
After being acquired in the Matt Duchene trade, Girard will immediately step onto a pairing with Tyson Barrie in his Avalanche debut. The former second round pick had three points (1G / 2A) in five games with the Predators this season and was a two-time 70-point defenseman in the QMJHL. Girard is also expected to see some PP1 time next to Barrie, making him an intriguing fantasy addition in deeper leagues.
Girard, 19, was a second round pick in 2016 (No.47 overall) and made his NHL debut this season, recording one goal and two assists in five games with the Predators. Girard should step right onto the Avalanche blueline and be an impact offensive-defenseman, but he will have to play well to stick with the team, because his development is more important than their success this season.
Girard has been a healthy scratch for the last four games, but will draw into the lineup tonight on a pair with Roman Josi. Girardi had one goal and two assists in three games with the Predators this season and is worthy of a punt play in daily fantasy.
Girard impressed in his three-game stint while Roman Josi was sidelined with a lower-body injury, but with the captain expected back tonight it looks like Girard will take a seat. The young offensive-minded blueliner recorded one goal and two assists in three games and looks like yet another great future Predators blueliner.
Girard was a second-round pick (no.47 overall) in 2016 and will make his NHL debut after playing just six professional games (AHL) last season. Girard is undersized (5-foot-10 / 162 lbs) but has a lot of offensive flair—he recorded 75 points (9G / 66A) in 59 games with Shawinigan (QMJHL) last season. Girard will likely be replacing Roman Josi, who is dealing wth an undisclosed injury.
