I agree in principle with just about everything. The one thing I strongly disagree with, is that Byram is going to be on this roster next year period.

It's either that or back to the WHL

I really think Byram could be a roster player next year and I am excited to see him but I think you should keep him one more year for Salary purposes and just to make sure he is ready.
I feel you should wait till cole becomes a ufa next year to call up Byram otherwise he won't get much minutes

Not bad but I would make some changes
-Nichushkin, Jost, Kamenev, Zadorov will all get more $$$
-Byram will be on the team
-Kaut will probably be on the roster over Bowers, especially if its a RW spot open
-Bellemare is ahead of Kamenev on the depth chart

I wouldnt mind COL adding a forward that could play on the 2nd line on a 1 year deal. Ideally someone like Dadonov/Hoffman/Namestnikov/Smith but im not sure if they would be willing to take a 1 year deal. Kovalchuk maybe?

Byram going to the WHL would be horrendous asset management, because what does he or the Avs exactly benefit from by going back? I think they pair him with Cole and let him transition into the NHL in a slightly sheltered manner on the 3rd pairing.

Kovalchuk would be nice. All the others guys would want more money on longer term
I meant to trade Zadorovs player rights

He started last year concentrating on his defense through the WJC, then went back and just tore it up to the tune of 2 ppg in February. This is the 4th overall pick, not Martin Kaut at 16. The only reason to send him back would be if somehow he forgot how to skate. I get what you are saying but you don’t worry about salary implications with him.