Trade Manson or Girard. Whichever you can replace for cheaper. Likely Manson.

If Drouin works out, he's not signing for league minimum again. If he doesn't work out, he's not signing.

Yeah, this is likely what they'll do if they can get Toews to extend to that kind of number. We would need that prospect pool to do something when called upon, too. But with Kovalenko, Meyers, Malinski, Behrens, and Ritchie, that's 5 players that have the potential to see NHL ice at some point this coming season.

I think Girard is more likely, as Behrens would be his replacement.

I'm not sold that Behrens is ready next year. I'm thinking Manson could be replaced with a Soucy type UFA next year that comes in around 2.5-3M. Maybe a little lower if they like how Malinski plays.

If I had to guess right now - Behrens is traded to upgrade the NHL roster. Manson is traded for cap space next summer and is replaced with a cheaper physical option. Girard is traded when Gulyayev is ready to come over from the KHL (2 summers from now?)

Agreed on Behrens. I could see us moving his rights at the deadline, or I could see him pulling a Butcher at trying his luck for a few years somewhere else. Either way, he's playing 10 minutes away, I trust our scouts have a good eye on him.