I don’t think the difference between Sanhiem and Girards value is that high.

I think the difference isn;t in quality, but contract length. Sanheim and Girard isnt a huge difference in quality in 22-23. To me, COL gets a ready now RD prospect (Attard is good sized and had a great NHL audition), cap savings to afford a quality 3C and a solid pick, and they keep a young defense that still goes 3 pairs deep. (And brings in Attard to replace TDL losses of Barron and Helleson at RD)

They lose Burakovsky and Kadri, but Copp and Paul are nice additions who can play multiple positions and are solid two-way guys. But the cap savings (and re-stock of youth at RD) allow a solid COL to go for a second cup.

I know alot of COL fans will only look at Sanheim's 1 yr left, but with Sanheim and Compher expiring, the Avalanche will need that for Newhook, Byram and Mackinnon in 23-24.

Makes sense, what do you think Sanhiems new contract would look like?

Im not thinking hes a big 6mil guy. Hes a very good two-way, solid 2nd pairing guy, so I would think he resigns with fairly minimal increase (and as a UFA) probably gets 5.25mil for 5 kind of deal.

But COL needs some expiring monies in 23-24 to resign Newhook, Byram, Mackinnon, so Sanheim and Compher are probably not on the re-sign menu. Its a move to keep the team a big contender in 22-23 with Attard and the cap space working towards 23-24 and beyond