Sakic would never trade Byram not for Gaudreau. I didn't even include the 2nd 2021 pick.

Whoops - I was thinking this was another post I recently added on here. I added in Grubauer and Ian Cole taking back cap in that one.
I think you are right.
In the new one with Cole and Grubauer, it works.
I also think Sakic knows he is close to being the best team in the West. That trade ensures Colorado wins the Markstrom sweepstakes by taking back cap on guys he doesn't want, allowing him to fill the Avs biggest hole and one they have to fix, goaltending. It also leaves room for either Krug or AP, a ready now star that solidifies his defense core right now. Byrum is close but has no where near the immediate impact a Krug or AP would have. Gaudreau for Byrum? Not happening. Add in a cap dump and create space in 2 of his weakest slots? Maybe. What did I miss? Ohhh right. Sakic also gets scoring on his second line.