I think in the event Val comes back then the Avs intend to give him a chance from the press conference with CMac and Gabe but hard to tell as there were mixed messages. Definitely a last saloon kind of vibe though. A buyout is too big of a hit for too long so imo they're going to give him a chance, possibly seek out potential suitors, and if it all goes pear shaped again then terminate after the 1 year suspension. Buyout is the absolute last option. The Avs should definitely move on from JJ now as well.

also the buyout period probably won't line up with Val's reinstatement. Unless there's some provision for scenarios like this. truly no idea - this is a first for the current CBA so we shouldn't expect to know the exact options

I don’t think they have any intention of bringing back. The press conference at least CMC part was entirely legalese of what he could say. They can’t trade him while suspended, and they can’t terminate his contract while suspended. People are to focused on one sentence “but it is very plausible he will be back with the Avs” and ignore everything else “the obvious question is termination right? At this time that’s not an option” and “assuming he does (get clean and help) and after 6 months we will react on that” and talking about getting the call from the league and how it affected 25 other guys. Behind the scenes I think the conversation is that they are preparing legally to terminate his contract preparing documentation about the incident in the Seattle Hotel, the multiple positive tests, the stupid IG posts, and anything that didn’t make the news. There just is no way unless they lose a termination legal battle (doubtful) or are unable to move his contract he comes back.

Yeah to bad compliance buy outs aren’t a thing anymore

The PAP is odd as it seemingly screws over the organization while helping the player. Kane and Perry both had their contracts terminated and were back on teams shortly after. It seems like teams will just start terminating contracts instead of enrolling their players in the PAP after seeing the Val situation.

I think the Avs front office intend to bring Val back but I firmly believe that he burned the last bridge between him and the locker room, based off of the interviews given by the players after he was suspended. I agree that a buyout is the last option but I don’t think there’s a scenario where he puts on an Avs jersey ever again.

What happen with the IG post?

I thought the buyout window is only during the summer.