Avs 2nd line center

Team: 2022-23 Colorado Avalanche

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 15, 2022

Published: Jul. 15, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Getting versatile middle 6 forward Evan Rodrigues in free agency is the last major move; then fill out the AHL squad and set the regular season lineup.
Biggest question is who will be the 2C. In this scenario we are going with Mikko Rantanen making the transition full-time from RW to C. Putting Compher on his RW still gives us a RH shot and face-off option. Newhook moves over from LW to #3C with the college standout Meyers and newly acquired Rodrigues. Both of them can also play Center if needed and therefore provide shelter and mentorship for Newhook as he develops.
The 4th line stays intact; as it should!
We are still able to accrue $1.5 million towards deadline cap space.
It is not worth it to move out a strong defensive asset (Girard) to fix the 2C issue when we have talent on the roster to do it. There isn't a talented enough $1.5 million 3rd pair defenseman that can plug the hole that such a move creates; but there is a middle six talent at that price. Keep the depth on D; we proved we need it. With Girard/Byram/Johnson's injury history we can't take that kind of risk. If Makar got hurt, we would lean heavily on Girard/Byram to pick up the offensive slack.