Quoting: tp47
COL has a bit of logjam at RHD with Johnson, Barrie, Meloche, Timmins and Makar. I would expect Meloche to see some time this year, maybe Timmins (he's just now coming back from concussion/ankle issues after months off), and then Makar to sign his ELC after his college season. Not sure if it'll be Barrie getting moved or not. The arguments for trading him are 1) his value is high right now 2) he's a little older than the core group 3) have other offensive D in Girard and Makar 4) could lose him in free agency in 2 years. Moving him for a young winger could work out.
Don't forget about LAK signing Kovalchuk and VGK getting Pacioretty/Stastny.
If Avs are shopping Barrie, it should be within this year, mainly because his price is high, as you wrote.
Haven't seen Meloche play unfortunately, but the logjam could be real if they aren't shopping him around and loose him to free agency. Especially if the kids, Timmins, Meloche, etc. are ready to play. Might as well kick in a trade and get a solid veteran forward and a high draft pick.
Girard was magnificent IMO last season and I truly believe he's going to be a stud this season.
Yeah, pretty excited to see how Kovy will get around in LA. Rumour says the guy is still capable of flying around a stickhandle the **** out of people and sniping top shelf.
Regarding to Pacioretty/Stastny, that's going to be exciting - If you haven't read this article yet, this is pure gold.
https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/nhl-max-pacioretty-were-going-to-vegas
This should be fun to watch.