I don’t object to the Kessel signing, COL does need to find a 3RW. As for the D signing, the more I think about it, I don’t think they are signing anyone else. People forget Hunt played 46 games last season, the coaching staff trusts him

Toews-Makar
Byram-Manson
Johnson-Girard
Hunt-MacDermid

Yup, we definitely have a level of trust in Hunt. Honestly, I could see us just holding pat and letting Foudy, Meyers, Pavel and Olofsson fight out for two spots and keeping JJ as a full-time d-man. Wouldn't be terrible and the cap flexibility would be AWESOME for the TDL

Agreed with the above, with the caveat that if there's a contract slot spare they should still sign Foote. Sending him down to the AHL wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen if necessary and if he gets taken on waivers then so be it.

I'd take Caleb Jones over Foote right now. His dad still coaches here so I think he might be more inclined to sign with us for under 1 mill.

More a case of you can likely send Foote down, less likely with Jones. I'd also prefer the righty.

Avs need a left D still

Toews, Girard, Byram, Johnson, Hunt, MacDermid......how many do they need?

I think the pairs should be:
Toews/Makar
Girard/Byram
JJ/Manson

In that order, Byram is a RD, cause he belongs on the 2nd line. So does Girard tho. Ok so either could be either side. Still tho, do we really want JJ all 82 games (if he can stay healthy thru all of them)? I don't, and he's a LD. So, they need another actual roster player vs a depth D like Hunt and MacDermid

Expected minutes if everyone is healthy

Makar 25
Toews 25
Byram 22
Girard 20
Manson 18

Leaves JJ or whoever is 6D with 10 minutes to fill. JJ Hunt and MacD have shown they can reliably fill 10 minutes a night as needed during the regular season. And JJ/Hunt can play up as needed to cover injuries. Another depth D would be fine, but they already have 15 D signed between NHL and AHL.

If they do add another D, my preference would be Bear. RD that would be an immediate upgrade at 6D as soon as he is healthy enough to come off LTIR.

I think a legit RHD upgrades your D much better personally. Assuming the D can stay healthy (big assumption I know lol) then actually running three solid pairs of L&R D should reduce the attrition on the D so the top guys don't get worn out again this year. I personally prefer guys on their strong side on the D but am ok with G & Bo splitting some time there as well but I think it makes sense to strengthen the right hand side, especially if there is any plan to move Manson next year.