If Manson isn't good enough for the Avs, why would TO pay to take him?

He is good enough for the Avs. They'd love to keep him. The cap doesn't allow for keeping everyone though, and I personally see a good fit in Toronto (depending on what else happens with guys like Brodie, Timmins, etc. of course).

You keep him if he's a value contract. At 4.5 million he needs to either be a highly effective shutdown defenceman or a top pair defenceman. He's in his decline years and obviously isn't providing enough value which is why you want to trade him. Judging by his age and how he's viewed by you guys. It's pretty clear you are already seeing diminishing returns on the contract he signed after the cup win.

So what you are doing is trying to sell him as a good fit based on his past play knowing full well that he isn't providing value at his current cap hit. And seeing his age you know that isn't going to get better over the next 2 years of his 4.5 million dollar deal.

Now that that is out of the way, why would a contender want to add a contract that doesn't provide value.

Seems like a treviling guy

Also, what contender?

He has more points from the blue line than anyone on the Leafs not named Reilly. He'd be a good add there. Only reason the Avs would move him is because they already have Makar, Toews, Girard, and Byram. Just because one team can't afford to keep a guy doesn't mean he's trash.

The leafs are supposed to be a contender. I don't think they are with this blueline but they are supposed to be one. Also I should also caution you sir. A buffalo fan throwing stones is entirely the glass house situation

If you can't afford him, he's not someone worth affording in your situation. That's at the very least wrecks your leverage in a trade. If Manson is being paid as a top 4 player but isn't that and is his age with his term. You are going to have trouble trading him.

Hence the trade. Manson would strengthen the Leafs D.

We don't have a house, we are homeless.

Doesn't mean I'm wrong

Maybe, but at his age with his contract and already diminishing play, why would they spend to acquire him. You'd be best to find a 3rd party to retain but Manson is a cap problem for the Avs.

It depends on how he finishes the year. He's no worse than he was when Colorado paid a 2nd plus for him. He had injuries, which blew up his value for a while, but he appears to be back in form.

Yes his cap hit is a bit high, but he's a RD with grit who can also play. As such, I think there will be a market for him. Could I be wrong? Sure. Happens all the time. Ask my wife. She'll rattle off a ton of instances. But that's how I see it.

tbh this season has been anything but diminishing, he's looked healthy and at times, the Avs' third best Dman in all situations other than PP. He has been an absolute animal, especially the last 3-4 weeks.

But all the other thoughts are valid, he is on the wrong side of 30 for a defenseman with his play style, and another bad injury could be it for him.

AND regardless of fit, he has a 10 or 12 (cannot recall) team NTC and Toronto is probably at the top of it.

It's 12 teams and very possible that Toronto is one of them. This was supposed to be a Drouin thread, lol. Oh well.

I'll jump in on Drouin, lol. Yes, Avs should sign him sooner rather than later. Reminds of the very recent past with Erod. Try to get Drouin now at ~$2M. Avs don't have much room next year assuming Landy is back and they'll need to round out 4-5 spots.

Just to add to others. Manson likely has TOR on his no-trade list so that nixes that.

Drouin I absolutely think the Avs should extend now as cheap as possible. That way they either get a great deal or if he starts to coast because the pressure is off (to earn a deal) then we'll know what he is and can still dump him fairly easily.