There we are, that I could get behind.

Although probably take away one of the 3rds from VGK and send it to Colorado.

Size, skill, without decimating the cap and destroying the future

I imagine Vegas would rather send Hill than Thompson; they're going to be in a major cap crunch and I doubt they'd send Barbie but maybe.

The Colton trade would have to include a 2nd; the Avs are going to be more interested in draft capital (to use in trades) than in a prospect, even a decent one.

In what world would Cousins and Duhiame sign those pathetic offers, and in what would would aves want Clarke when they gave up a 2nd for them, thats the price to get him a 2nd and more. Also Vegas wont be doing that low ball trade.

Avs decline that one imo and it's not that Clarke isn't a decent prospect. Just not the kind of prospect they'd want (plus it isn't a good enough offer with Clarke alone) and they'd more likely be interested in picks alone unless the prospect was an ideal fit. The Avs have focused on trying to add size and a bit of grit and sandpaper to their speed (whether that's been successful or not is another debate). I don't see Clarke as adding that when they're subtracting a guy they brought in for that purpose.

Also if Duhaime signs that cheaply you'd have to bet the Avs would be re-signing him unless he specifically wanted to go to NJ.

Give up 3 nhl proven guys on bargain contracts for one. Man where do we sign 🙄