1: that’s a lot to give up for Ekholm, a left handed defenseman, when you already have Girard and Toews on the left side with Byram on the way up.

2: this has to happen after expansion. Colorado doesn’t have enough space to protect another defenseman.

I agree but price for Ekholm is going to be steep due to his cap hit and flat cap. That and he is only a rental as he has a year left. Girard played RD most of this season so if they want to keep him there, will need a shutdown LD to pair with him

If the price is going to be steep, maybe you should trade him to a team that needs a left handed defenseman so that it makes sense for them to pay that price. You’re not going to get it from Colorado. Especially not for a rental.

I actually think Ekholm is the kind of defenseman COL could use to put them over the top, but they don't have a spot for him right now with their current LHD depth.