I'd hope we move on from one of EJ or Compher during the offseason.

Also, I'd switch Girard to 2RD, using him as a 3rd pairing defenseman making $5M isn't the best use of assets.

Splitting hairs here but id reduce:
-250k from Lehkonen
-250k from Nichushkin
-500K from Sturm

I will continue my stance that:
1) Newhook is not ready for full time 2C minutes. Even with Kadri injured, hes still being slotted in a 3rd line winger role as they dont think hes ready
2) One of or both of EJ and Comphers contracts should be moved
3) Kaut needs a 20 game NHL stint next year so COL can determine what he is as an NHLer, hes got nothing to prove at the AHL level anymore

Some of your contract values are off a little bit and Lehkonen will get more term. Reilly Smith isn’t a bad plan B guy. Don’t see a scenario where EJ and Manson are both back.

I strongly agree on #1 and #2. This is going to cause some debate, but I really feel like they need to hold their nose a bit and pay Kadri. 2C is a position that is too important and too hard to find. A contender should think long and hard before letting a legit one walk away.

Edit: I should add that I think Manson will turn out to be a rental. I don't think they should pay out another big contract on D (unless they also move Girard, which I think is a bad idea).

- Im ok with COL paying Kadri or signing Trocheck or Strome at a lesser cap hit at 2C. Allow Newhook to grow and be fluid between C and W.

- Id have no problem doing a 4x3.5-4 for Manson, i feel like the price COL paid to obtain him is too high to not try to resign him. I think while years 1-2, COL would appear to have 5 top 4D (Toews, Makar, Girard, Byram and Manson) BUT, i suspect Toews will play himself out of our price range and leave us with a core 4 of Makar, Byram, Girard and Manson in year 3

I just don't know how they afford Manson for more than one year. In my musings, it falls apart when MacKinnon gets his. Maybe there is a way, but I haven't had success with it yet.