Why would Colorado give up Lehkonen of all their contracts when he clearly provides the most value for the money?

This is a better return then Bjorkstrand. If Colorado get in cap crunch with Mittlestadt signing they will lost leverage in any personal movement. This have happen before. Predators has to move Arvidsson a couple season ago. Again the return was lesser.

And what's your point? The point I'm making is that they have several ~5 million dollar contracts, and of them, Lehkonen is far and away the most valuable, so why would HE be the one Colorado moves?

Teams in their cup window don't trade away their best value pieces.

Colton play Center, i doubt McFarlane will entertain moving him, Nishuskin isn’t going anywhere. No one giving up assets for Girard contract.
I would say it’s between Manson and Lehkonen and with Kovalenko who is ready to step up and make a impact, Lehkonen could be the odd man.

bet on it then lose all your money