Team: 2022-23 Colorado Avalanche

Initial Creation Date: May 14, 2022

Published: May 15, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Some reshaping of the D core here:

Manson: I havent been impressed by Manson so far, aside from the physicality he hasnt lived up to expectations so I dont think he will be back

Girard: Hes a very polarizing player (likely because of his size tbh) and while I think hes a very good defenseman I just dont think he fits in COL anymore with Toews and Byram on LD and Makar as the QB on the PP

DeMelo: He put up very good defensive numbers on a poor defensive WPG team which didnt provide him with much help in that area. I think he would pair well with Byram to make a solid 2 way unit + could be given PK time. It sounds like WPG will make some big changes this offseason and may be willing to move roster players for picks if they decide to retool

Dumoulin: His numbers dipped a bit this year but he has a long history of good defensive play while eating a ton of minutes. In a lesser role against easier opponents I think his defensive game could return to form. Ive seen multiple PIT fans making ACGMs moving Dumoulin for picks and while im not sure how realistic it is, I am intrigued

On offense:

Beauvillier: He had a down year (as did Girard) but has a history of good playdriving (as did Girard). He fits nicely onto the 2nd line to replace Burakovsky who leaves as a UFA

Stastny: Assuming Kadri gets a big $$$ deal in free agency COL doesnt have many options for 2C. I dont think its smart to put Newhook full time at 2C without some backup options which Stastny provides. Hes versatile, good offensively and defensively, has tons of experience, and gives a lot of flexibility in how Bednar can set up the lines - He can play 2C, 3C, or be moved to LW in the middle 6 if they want to use 2 of Newhook/Meyers/Compher/etc as the middle 6 Cs

Depth options:

Neal: He actually had pretty decent GF% and xGF% rates (in a small 19 game sample) with STL this year and has produced at a point per game rate in the AHL. He could be signed 1x750k for no risk (can be completely buried in the AHL if it doesnt work out) and he adds size and playoff experience for cheap. I dont feel strongly about this one but its no-risk medium-reward so why not. Maybe give him a PTO first to see how he does and if he looks good then give him 1x750k

Pysyk: I also dont feel very strongly about this but hes pretty versatile and had good underlying numbers on BUF last year

Neal and Pysyk could be replaced with any cheap veteran F and D combo from free agency (or guys like Maltsev)

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