Dan Muse’s first year as an NHL assistant coach, in 2017-18 with Nashville, was Sam Girard’s rookie season with the Predators. Their paths crossed only briefly, as Girard was traded to Colorado that November.
“He was really young at the time, I was younger at the time, too,” Muse said with a laugh. “But like, you saw what he's capable of.”
After parts of eight seasons with the Avalanche, winning the Stanley Cup in 2021, Girard was reunited with Muse in Pittsburgh this February after the Penguins acquired the defenseman, now 28, from Colorado.
“He's such a great guy. It sucks losing good people like that,” said Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon. “He's a great teammate. Obviously, we won together. He was a big part of this team, and I'm really happy to see him play so well.”
Girard was the first to admit that switching teams during the season was challenging. He was also dealing with an injury, which kept him out of the lineup for his initial return to Colorado in March. But now, he’s performing at a high level to start his first full season in Pittsburgh.
“I think last year was a combination of different things just coming in, maybe not being completely 100% or where he wanted to be,” Muse said. “I know he put in a lot of work this summer, and so, I'm really happy for him and for us because of the start that he's had. ... He’s just elevated his game.”
Girard lives in Colorado during the summers, as his wife is from here. He trains at the University of Denver with a group made up of NHL and college players, including Colorado’s Devon Toews and Logan O’Connor, Anaheim’s Troy Terry and St. Louis’ Brandon Carlo.
Girard focused on his shot, which he feels has improved compared to last year; finding lanes to use it; moving on the blue line; and of course, his mobility.
“I feel like one of the things that brought me into the NHL was my skating. That's something that I just love to work on during the summer, just to keep the same speed and try not to slow down,” Girard said. “It’s a fast game now with these guys.”
Returning to Pittsburgh ahead of training camp, Girard felt much more comfortable with the systems and in his surroundings.
“It's just fun to come here and know everything, and not to have to think when you jump on the ice,” Girard said. “All those little details, like the name of every faceoff, the breakouts, the guys’ nicknames, too. All those little things that make a big difference. Got here with more confidence. Great group of guys here, great staff, and very excited to be back.”
That goes for his daughter, too.
“Every time she sees the (Penguins) logo, she says Dada,” Girard said with a smile. “Because we live close to (UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex). Every time we pass by the rink, she says Dada, Dada. Bought her a new stick, too, so she plays in the house.”
