Hypothetical Gargantuan

Team: 2023-24 Colorado Avalanche

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 23, 2023

Published: Jun. 23, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

There's no reality in which this trade would occur, but hypothetically...

If Calgary burns it or at least guts their team, could Makar somehow become part of the plan forward. Ball Arena would burn to the ground if Makar was dealt, but hypothetically maybe it makes sense for both teams. I'm not saying a trade like this would be better than Colorado keeping Makar, because in my mind he's a player you can't replace, even with lets say 5 elite players. He's invaluable and too unique.

Calgary would acquire their hometown boy who becomes the face of the franchise. They deal big pieces and some UFA's who would be sign and trade players.

From Calgary's perspective:
You get Makar. Clear cap space but get no other assets. Attempting to field a team through free agency is a recipe for disaster considering several active members of the team just announced they don't want to continue playing here. Smart to get Makar? Not so smart to thin the remaining roster.

From Colorado's perspective:
You get back a #1/2 defenseman, whether in Andersson or Weeger (assuming a waive). You solve your 2C problem. You pick up spare parts to fill out the lineup. Aside from adding some bottom pair/depth options on defense, nothing needs to be done to the blueline in my opinion. You could potentially add Vladar to backup Georgiev. You could add players to the forward group.

Again, before anyone starts screaming, this is hypothetical. What would be fair in your mind for a Makar trade?

I wouldn't think Calgary would add any draft picks since they have a weaker pool and a now gutted team.

I think a RHD replacement for Makar, whether Andersson or Weeger would have to be involved. Lindholm obviously, otherwise there is truly no logic or incentive to the trade for Colorado. What else?

Andersson/Weeger
Lindholm
Dube/Mangiapane?
Vladar?
Toffoli? (sign and trade)
Depth options? Backlund? Coleman?

Always interested to hear your thoughts. Thanks for reading.