I assume this is 21-22 because Newhook isn’t playing with the Avs this year.

No, Saad, Calvert, and Bellemare will likely all leave via UFA so it's this season.

It's probably likely that Sakic doesn't burn a year of Newhook's contract, but I'm sure the temptation will be there if he plays well with BC the next few months, just as it was with Makar.

Not sure why the ducks would add a second. Donskoi isn’t a big piece and the pick is going to be really late

Newhook would have to have the kind of season Makar did (Hobey Baker) for the Avs to even remotely consider that, and while I think he’s capable of it I just don’t see how they would burn a year especially knowing then you have to sign MacKinnon and Newhook in the same off season. If they did trade for Rackell I’d just drop him into 3C and not over complicate it.

I think you're right. Having Mackinnon, Newhook, Byram, Kaut, all up for renewal in the same offseason would be crazy. Not to mention having to replace Compher/Donskoi/Graves if they stay until then.

That said, with Mackinnon's contract window and the impending Makar raise in mind it would be extremely tempting to try to jack the lineup as much as possible this season which is realistically our best shot at the cup.

I get the temptation but don’t think this necessarily their best chance, especially with Makar getting better, Byram is going to be a beast, add Newhook next year, and quality depth guys on ELC’s like Bowers, Kaut, Barron and Helleson while dropping guys like PEB, Donskoi, Graves and Compher and the expansion of the cap (w/expansion and a new tv deal) and I wouldn’t be in a hurry to sell off valuable pieces this year.