Trading Girard for 2C is super risky, considering Byram’s injury history - he is one cheap shot in a pointless game away from retiring from hockey. Maybe EJ could step up but he’s also not an iron man and also about to retire. I think we have to keep Girard until Byram plays 1-2 season(s) without injuries or if we get a promising cheap defenseman back in our trade for 2C.
I dont think that's really the case anymore honestly. It was a legitimate concern a few months ago, but he just went through the gauntlet of an entire playoff run, played a bunch of minutes especially after Girard went down.... He took a few big hits and got back up and kept going after every one of them.
I think that concern just isn't big anymore.
Mind you I still think, unless we are somehow getting a Barzal, or Pettersson sort of 2C in return, I think you keep Girard for at least 1 more season. Either that or you're getting some insane futures package, like a Top 10 1st + A tier prospect sort of offer.
I dont think either of those packages will be available for Girard, so IMO you keep him. We do know he can play the right side, just pair him with Bo or Toews. That Top 4 will be elite again next year.
Its probably something that has to be revisited in summer 2023 though when Bo needs his new deal, and Toews is 1 year away from Free agency. That's probably the summer where a definite decision needs to be made.