Probably need to make it really worth PHI's while to get them to take Johnson. Acquiring EJ could really hamper their chances to sign a guy like Gaudreau if he hits UFA.

Yeah I really doubt Philly retains that much and takes on an extra year of Johnson just to get a 1st and a prospect. Probably going to get a better haul from another team for less salary restraints.

Philly doesn’t want anyone over 24 really so no on Johnson

philly will want to shed salary

I think the pick would have to be very good. Philly has little incentive to make this trade if Johnson is coming back. The can get a 1st and a prospect for Giroux alone. They might need to pay a 3rd team to retian extra but that's still probably better than taking on EJ.

PHI scouting the Eagles last night in Loveland. Just keep coming back to Ranta, Behrens, 1st & Compher for Giroux retained and something else. If PHI insists Barron is part of the deal COL should walk.

Philly doesn't want him and he isn't waiving to go to Philly so this is a no-go

Depending on who you ask Behrens could be the best of the Avs D prospects. Stylistically a good comparison is Ryan Ellis. Having a phenomenal year in the NCAA.

I'd also balk if Barron is the asking price. Giroux has a lot of control here with his NMC, and there's loads of incentive for Philly to trade Giroux to the west instead of a team in the east. Hopefully something like 1st + Ranta + Jost/Compher is enough.