I actually think that's a bit of an overpayment on EK. Injuries are becoming an issue with him, but he is obviously still a stud defensemen. Something like 7X9 is what I can see someone paying him, but he'll probably get overpaid since that's what the UFA market does. If the Avs pick Byram, what is the point of signing EK? They would have Zadorov, Makar, Girard, Byram, Cole, Johnson, Timmins, Barrie to build around in the D core. Drafting a center 4th overall and signing a top 6 forward (I like the Hayes signing, not totally sure what his contract could look like though) makes the most sense. If they do take Byram 4th (I have no problem with that) then I think they have some deal in place with Barrie to bring in a forward via a trade rather than signing one. Also if Mikko does sign for 8 years (don't think he will) it will be for more than 10M. Also I'm assuming Spencer Knight is being taken with the 16th pick here, that is probably a bit of a stretch.

yeah signing Karlsson gives you too many cooks in the kitchen, especially with drafting bowen.

Heavily disagree on signing Karlsson. Girard is a top 4 dman that we’d be putting in the press box. Also, Seattle draft means we can only protect two of the following:

Karlsson
Barrie
Makar
Girard

We can protect 3 if we move EJ and his NMC

Yeah 10 per for EK is because teams will be offering to overpay for him. He honestly could even get more if he really wanted to but I think he would see Colorado as a good fit. The same goes with Hayes he could probably fetch 7 somewhere but contending and playing a big role for Avs could draw him in. I’d say Tyson Barrie is probably gone if EK signs but I’d keep him for the year. They have plenty of picks/prospects so he’s basically sort of like a rental for the year. And yeah they could take a forward at 4 as well but Bowen Bryram is going to be an absolute stud I think. A top four of EK, Makar, Byram and Timmins/Johnson would be absolutely deadly.

9.5 per for Rantanen x 8 is pretty damn big I think the Avs could convince him to sign for that. He wouldn’t put up the points he does if he didn’t play with Mackinnon and Landeskog. But yeah I could see him signing a deal like Mathews maybe for 5 years or so I agree.

And Knight for their second 1st would be a great move. They have their core locked up for years and this kid is being hyped as one of the best goalie prospects in a long time. Getting a franchise goalie to add to what they would have up front and on D would be scary.



Barrie is probably gone in FA so you would protect EK, Makar and Girard and have Bryram coming up. But yeah I agree it would be tough to have him as 7th D this year. I would at least start the year that way and see what happens. Someone could be moved early on or an injury or something could happen as well.

True, but they’re pretty damn loaded up front too. I think it’s more of a taking the best player available type thing. They should be planning for Barrie leaving after this season too if EK signs, so Byram would step into top 4 after one more year in juniors.

If they let Barrie walk that would be a HUGE mistake. They either have to resign him or trade him. No way you can let a guy like that just walk out. Too much value there to do nothing with it. I think Byram would be a great pick, but again I see zero motive to sign Karlsson if that is the pick. Even if that isn't the pick I can't see them making a strong move for him, too many good, young D men.

Yeah you never wanna see guys like that walk for nothing but it’s basically like a rental D at the deadline except you give up nothing for him. This is all contingent on EK signing too, if he doesn’t sign then you sign Barrie for sure. And then definitely draft Byram as well.

I think the Avs have to make some sort of plash. They aren’t gonna sign Duchene. Panarin probably won’t sign there. So if you have the ability to sign EK then why not? Unless they wanted to try and offer sheet someone like Point? But even that would be pretty difficult and you would have to give up 4 1st rounders

I think the sign is Skinner. I would love to see something like 6X7.5 or 8 for him. If not him then Lee or Hayes could be what we get. EK is great, but they probably go for a forward.

Yeah It all depends who they can get. They have to land 1 or 2 guys regardless.