Part two - The medium trades

Benning could be the perfect foil for Byram imo and on a cheap deal going forward with the Avs being up against the cap.

I've seen Benning valued at anything from a 3rd to a 6th on here. I've gone with the top end and thrown in a prospect as it's a year out. Meyers would likely get more of a shot with the Sharks.

Avs add a defensively capable cheaper guy in Lyubushkin for the rest of the season. Love Manson but the cap is the issue. Also a Russian friend for Big Val. Re-acquire Helleson who, imo, is the better potential future partner for Behrens being more defensive with some offensive upside.

No issues with either of these players except for Manson's cap hit. Purely a case of what I think works better and removing some of that hit going forward. Malinski is more offensive vs defensive and Manson is still the best player in the deal. The second for the cap difference (and any perceived difference between Helleson and Malinski) may be an overpay but imo is worth it to get it done. Manson waives and effectively goes 'back home' after being a long term rental, and Malinski gets to play for Cronin, who IIRC was one of the reasons he signed for the Avs initially before he got the head coach job in Anaheim.