Not sure why Avs would make this trade

This right here. We can't just keep playing the LTIR game. I could see a trade that sends Girard and gives us Laughton, because at least that is a negative cap deal for us. But taking on Ellis' salary, whether it's LTIR or not, just doesn't make sense for a team still in its window.

For what its worth, Kovalenko probably needs to find himself in the top 9. He's taking (in his mind) a big risk giving up a very successful KHL career to come over here and likely will not be here long playing 5-10 minutes a night.

Trade makes no sense for COL, pass.

IF COL moves Girard, it should be for a young middle 6F with some ELC left.

I think we’ve got higher aspirations for Kovalenko than 4th line

Girard isn't what the Flyers need and the Avs don't need to add another player to ltir. You could probably trade Girard to a more competitive ready team for a good prospect that won't be in said team's cup window immediately.

Almost a deal but to man dmen