Dumb Idiot DNVR

Team: 2021-22 Colorado Avalanche

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 25, 2021

Published: Jul. 25, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

CF Note Read 1st:
This roster is a projection based on how GM's have been behaving, so the trades are balanced based on how the GM's might react, NOT based on what a commenter believes is fair. See the Buchenvich deals and Ellis deals for comparison. I'm happy to discuss the thought process behind each but how whether YOU feel a player is available or YOU feel someone is worth more or less isn't relevant as this is not a thread designed to be looking for feedback.

This is made under the assumption that NONE of Landeskog, Saad or Grubauer are willing to take team friendly deals to stay. Should they do so it would make a lot of these choices easier as assets wouldn't need to be moved to replace them. This also assumes that the team is looking to win now and thus will not rely on rookies like Bowers but instead have them for 1st call ups depth wise.

Jost deal is based off of the Hartman deal
Saros deal is based off of the Lehner deal with some inflation
Chytil deal is a bridge
McCabe will have many options at similar price points but chooses Col based on opportunity to play with high end players to help him earn a bigger deal the following year. Also this is assuming EJ will miss significant time over the season.
Nash joins Col for depth and to win a cup.
Finally Dannault was the big UFA name. I really like the shutdown center option he provides Col and will get a 2c role on a true Cup contender for a competitive offer. This will allow Col to not rush or rely on Newhook letting him develop at his own pace and the deal isn't SO bad that he can't slide down into a 3c shutdown role towards the end of it.

Some options also not shown but considered:
Edler: would be a great defensive add and isn't mentioned enough
Coleman: would have been a better option than Forsberg but I didn't want to have TOO many UFA adds, so I went with a more fun rental route, but ideally he would be there instead to save assets and come in at a cheaper AAV with term.
Schwartz: See Coleman
Lebanc/Dvorak: Could be considered for middle 6 options as they are at managable AAV and solid play drivers.
Armia: A good Donskoi replacement, but the recent Cup run likely gets him a bigger contract.
Cizakas: better than Nash but likely more expensive
Stastny: A fun offensive option for the bottom 6, but would have to get a team friendly deal for one last run at a cup.
Zub/Gavrikov/Elias Lindholm: Players I really like but don't see realistically being available atm.

UIlmark/Kuemper: Other short term starter options with differing pros and cons
Gibson: I actually do think he is availible, but given cost to acquire and contract its difficult to find a good spot. Also the philosophy is that this team should be SO GOOD defensively that Cap shouldnt need to be allocated to a goalie.

Taxi Squad shown for call up list without impacting overall Cap as scratches do

1.

2.

3.