If you want Gourde with that kind of retention for 3 years, you're probably going to have to trade Newhook.

I don't know if this players interest the habs at all...

I like the gourde trade, him at 2.5 mil for 3 years would be a steal but i donno if that's enough to get them to retain for that long.
I don't really care for the montreal trade, meyers will be the 4th C next year and kaut i think will finally be making the roster on the RW which gives us a cheap depth asset for a few seasons, especially if compher walks. Kubel has also been solid and won't be costing much so i think keeping them is better for the depth of colorado.

I debated including Foudy or Having Behrens be the centerpiece... I like the idea of buying low on Gourde if possible without giving up too much. Avs prospect pool is drying up

I like Evans, strong defensively and love the center wing versatility. He is more valuable on a competitor than a rebuild IMO. Plus he is cheap for 3 years. could deal him pretty easily too if he doesn't fit in.

seems like overkill for evans

I don't think there's a realistic scenario where you can "buy low" on Gourde. He's well known as a playoff performer and is Seattle's best forward. I don't think including Foudy or Behrens gets it done if you want that kind of retention.

What deal do you think gets Gourde? I posted one where the Avs gave up Ranta, Kaut Bowers and 2 1sts for Gourde with the same retained salary and Borgen and people thought that was an overpay. Not sure SEA will get to benefit from Gourdes Playoff accumen unless they land Bedard and Grubauer some how gets substantially better.

To the above . . .

Yes

No! (buy low?? huh . . . Was voted team MVP. Pretty sure Seattle thinks highly of his performance!)

Yes!!

Honestly, with the love Seattle has for the player and asking 1/2 retention for the next 3 seasons, I can't imagine the price is anything COL would want to pay. (?) If I'm Francis, it would definitely need to start with Newhook, as mentioned, but I think it's best summed up as an overpay on Colorado's end. Even if the Avs found a way to take his full contract, I think it would be a BIG ask from Seattle to move him. Just my thoughts.