Team: 2022-23 Colorado Avalanche

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 4, 2022

Published: Jul. 4, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

While a solid top-4 D, Girard is redundant on the Avs with the emergence of Byram but could bolster the Canes defensive corps. Necas could be the #2 center that Colorado needs, as Kadri will price himself out while the team focuses on re-signing Nuk and getting the Mack extension (probably 8/11M) done. Necas has the skating ability and speed required in the Avs offense, and Bear can round out the bottom pairing on defense. A mid-to-late round pick could be added on either side to balance as required. Necas signs a 2-year bridge deal to establish his value for a big third contract.

In free agency, the Avs bring back Nuk (5/5.5M), Murray (1/2M), and Sturm (1/1M). I don't love having to do so, but Kuemper seems like the only realistic, established goalie that Colorado can bring in without forfeiting even more assets. The listed contract (3/5M) is the furthest I think Sakic will go for a 32 year old. If Darcy balks at that, I think the team targets someone like Stolarz (ANH) or Blackwood (NJ) and runs a tandem with Franky.

In addition to Necas (2/3M), Colorado re-signs fellow acquired RFA Bear (2/2.6M), locks up Lehkonen (5/4M) long-term, and returns Aube-Kubel (2/1.2M) to the third line.

The only UFA from outside the organization is Athanasiou. The speedy winger is a perfect fit for the offense, and takes a prove-it deal (1/3.5M) in order to re-enter free agency again next year at age 28 with a 50+ point season under his belt.

The 2.9M in cap space would allow for Sakic to make more moves at the deadline.

Tried to keep trades/contracts realistic -- would love to hear everyone's thoughts!