That Mittelstadt contract is optimistic even if the Avs can get a good deal.

Habs don't make that trade and Avs need to add to the Philly trade (or just replace Manson).

That's a fair trade offer for Kovacevic (value wise), but I don't think MTL would really want Colton.

You've disappointed me in that Monahan wasn't re-signed by MTL and traded to the Avs for their first round pick in 2026.

Not sure whether MTL would have interest in Colton but Kovacevic is definitely a guy the Avs should be looking at imo but I'd probably pass on the Manson for Laughton deal from the Avs PoV and keep Manson if possible and maybe give Trenin a shot at the 3C job (I like Walker but I'd rather keep Manson's nastiness and physicality over 'more of the same' in Walker and not sure JK has the nastiness of JM). Trenin hasn't really actually played that much at C though even if listed as one (or at least he hasn't taken many face offs which to me means he hasn't played C much) but then the same was true for Colton prior to this year. Yakov has definitely been the most impressive of the 'deadline' additions for me so far, and has a rep for taking other young Russians under his wing and might just have Kovalenko actually on his wing too.

I feel like Colton would make their bottom six better but also recognize they have a lot of forwards when healthy. I could see it happening if they also moved, say Evans.

Ultimately the Avs could move Colton for a pick and make a different offer for Kovacevic, but I went this route for the sake of simplicity.

I think the team needs Walker more than you do. If Kovacevic can be Manson lite, then I think that's enough. Basically it comes down to if Manson + Malinski > Kovacevic + Walker. Close call but I like the latter, and especially if Walker comes on a good deal.

Edit: Fair point about 3C. There are other options, one of which could be Trenin. Maybe even Kovalenko, although it's tough to say considering he hasn't played a single game yet.

Quite sure Flyers would decline. They value Laughton 1st+ (may it be realistic or not), and Manson wouldn't get that kinda return. And also don't think they want add another injury prone D, they have had more than enough injuries with D already.

For me it's very much in the mix as to who is best to keep and who isn't. I have my favourites to keep, let go or trade but even then I can see the arguments for and against others. It's something of a headache but arguably a nice one to have for CMac & Joe. There's arguments to be made for keeping, trading or letting go any of a number of guys. I think playoff performance will be a key (and possibly determining) factor for both the various individuals and the team as much as potential returns in trades and potential internal replacements. My thinking is Manson & Kovacevic btw, a mix of the two options you give (with Malinski rotating in from the scratches). Personally if it weren't for the age factor I'd probably move Girard to keep Walker even though Walker is a righty as he can play left D as well. Girard also probably gives the best return in a trade for re-stocking. A lot of factors to consider.

I do think they could use Manson but also suspect you're right about them valuing Laughton very highly (likely too highly). Maybe I'll change the next one to futures for Manson.

colorado gonna retain 50%?

Good 4-6 D on min deal for a 3rd line center on a massive cap hit with term

Colton's cap hit is fine for what he brings. Maybe a little steep but not a lot. Heck, Dvorak makes more than him, and Habs fans wanted a lot to move him back when he was healthy.

I'd happily keep Colton if it weren't necessary to find cap somewhere. To me both teams get a piece they can use in the trade.

I think timing ain't right for them to acquire Manson unless they move Ristolainen. Or at least in my opinion they shouldn't trade for him unless they get something to help them in future as well.

Hum, yes. Where do we sign up?

Colton for sure would be an improvement to their current bottom 6, however I'm hoping for bigger things from the habs this offseason. A reunion with Monahan on the 3rd line would be ideal IMO.

They have lots of cap space and defenseman / draft picks to make a big splash this offseason potentially.