Colorado has plenty of potential UFAs and dealing away Girard's $5 million cap hit over the next five seasons would free up some salary space. Bowen Byram's emergence may have made Girard expendable after he stepped up in the postseason following Girard's injury. The 24-year-old defender would also have strong value on the trade market if he were to become available. 

Girard suffered a broken sternum, so he's not expected to play for the remainder of the 2022 playoffs. The remainder of the Avalanche's players are available though.

Girard suffered the season-ending injury Saturday after he was crushed into the boards by Ivan Barbashev. He had a goal and three points with 14 shots on goal in seven playoff contests.

Girard was crunched into the boards on a hard hit by St. Louis forward Ivan Barbashev early in the first period. He will conclude the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs with one goal, two assists and 14 shots in seven appearances.