Rumor: 2022-2023 Trade Rumors and Free Agency: Let’s Run it Back!

[Bender]

What's wrong with Sean Monahan? Injuries?

He had trouble living with the fact that he's better than MacKinnon.

 

[UncleRisto]

He had trouble living with the fact that he's better than MacKinnon.

Yeah, clearly.

 

[Islay1989]

What's wrong with Sean Monahan? Injuries?

His hips turned to dust.

 

[John Mandalorian]

If Nichuskin walks and there's an extra ~$6m in capspace available for the next 6-7 years, that would make it a lot more feasible to trade for and extend JT Miller...

With Nichuskin re-signing it's virtually impossible to sign a 2C for big money, but without Nichuskin re-signed the Avs will have a tonne of capspace to work with, meaning that they could acquire JT Miller at full $5.25m caphit for this season, and immediately extend him at ~$8.5m, or whatever AAV gets it done.

Allocating that money to a 2C would make a lot more sense than dropping it on a winger like Forsberg for example. And honestly as much as we like Nichuskin, if he asks for $6.5m+ that's also probably also too much to spend on another winger given how much is already being spent on Landeskog, Rantanen, and soon Lehkonen.

Miller would plug the biggest hole on the roster, and give the Avs a legit 1-2 punch down the middle again:

Landeskog - MacKinnon - Lehkonen
Newhook* ------ Miller ------- Rantanen
UFA* ------------- Meyers ------ Compher

The main issue in that scenario is the cost of acquisition. Vancouver's biggest need is RHD which Colorado now lack in their system, and thus 2023 1st + Olausson/Foudy/Behrens might not get it done. It's also doubtful whether they'd have any interest in Girard given that they already have a small puck-moving LHD in Quinn.

With that in mind, dare I say it that if the Avs want Miller then perhaps Toews would be the piece required to entice Vancouver. The trade would effectively be trading a 1C on a great contract for a 1LHD on a great contract. Vancouver probably add something or retain a bit due to the fact that Toews has two years Vs Miller's one year, and has a $1.15m lower caphit than Miller.

Avs would be of course be betting big on Byram's health and also his ability as Makar's partner starting next season. Maybe that risk is worth it to get a 1C with term while also keeping hold of Girard.

A trade like that would leave a tonne of capspace which can be used to re-sign Kuemper and Manson even at market rates, allowing you to roll out the top 6 below, which despite missing Toews is still one of the best in the league.

Byram - Makar
Girard - Manson
xxxxx -- EJ

Edit: On second thought you probably make Newhook + 1st available before Toews. Just another idea anyhow.

The 4C would be required to change his name to Martin, if it doesn’t already start with M.

 

[Richard88]

The 4C would be required to change his name to Martin, if it doesn’t already start with M.

Or Maltsev...

 

[Richard88]

I prefer Horvat personally (if available).

Keeps the AAV down (6-7M) and is a better two-way player.

With Miller, I just get the feeling that signing him to a huge contract would backfire - not in the sense that he would stink like Loui Eriksson but that he'd be paid like a 90 pt forward but regress to 60-65 pt one.

He had a monster year but I don't think that's his norm going forward. Kind of like what everyone is expecting to happen with Kadri...

I really doubt the Avs trade Toews, I think resigning him next summer when he has 1 year left is what they have planned.

If the Avs were to offer Newhook + 1st for Horvat - would they say no? The cap savings would allow them to probably keep Miller and that deal is not unlike what the Kings have up for Fiala. Sure the pick is likely going to be later than 19th but Newhook isn't an unproven prospect like Faber (though I really like that kid) and a former 1st rounder that's actually proven he can play in the league.

I really like Newhook and wouldn't move him out for a lot of guys but Horvat is one of those and he fits out window right now.

Good points. I agree that Horvat would probably be a better fit, given that he's better defensively and also likely comes a little cheaper cap-wise.

The Avs have had interest in him dating back to before the Kadri trade as well; i I remember right there was something brewing around Barrie + #16 (Newhook pick) and Horvat + #10 and/or Virtanen.

That said, Horvat seems to be the one who Vancouver want to keep around, for the same reasons that he'd be attractive for Colorado. If he's available though then I agree he should be the primary target over Miller.

I also wonder if the Avs are completely convinced that Newhook can't play center. If they think he can then trading him is unlikely.

 

[John Mandalorian]

I prefer Horvat personally (if available).

Keeps the AAV down (6-7M) and is a better two-way player.

With Miller, I just get the feeling that signing him to a huge contract would backfire - not in the sense that he would stink like Loui Eriksson but that he'd be paid like a 90 pt forward but regress to 60-65 pt one.

He had a monster year but I don't think that's his norm going forward. Kind of like what everyone is expecting to happen with Kadri...

I really doubt the Avs trade Toews, I think resigning him next summer when he has 1 year left is what they have planned.

If the Avs were to offer Newhook + 1st for Horvat - would they say no? The cap savings would allow them to probably keep Miller and that deal is not unlike what the Kings have up for Fiala. Sure the pick is likely going to be later than 19th but Newhook isn't an unproven prospect like Faber (though I really like that kid) and a former 1st rounder that's actually proven he can play in the league.

I really like Newhook and wouldn't move him out for a lot of guys but Horvat is one of those and he fits out window right now.

This is a good idea even if there might not be enough room on the team for 2 players named Bo.

I'd even give a small plus to that.

 

[Bront]

If I was a GM Nichushkin would be a nerve wracking situation for me. He looked amazing in the playoffs and was always productive for the Avs but my god he was awful for Dallas. I would be very worried that while his forchecking translates to any system, his hockey IQ is highly dependent on system. I think Bednars system just clicked with him and he thrived. A new system…id expect a BIG production drop off, especially when coupled with the fact he will play with significantly worse talent wherever he goes. When things click he is worth every penny of 6.5m aav. When they don’t click he ends up on waivers. Avs know he fits in their system so Sakic must have much more peace of mind giving the guy big money than some other GM. Imagine giving him 7m aav and getting 7 goals and 30 points. That’s a very real possibility on another team.

 

[Ararana]

Friedman:

Kuemper: There's a decent chance he signs in Colorado
Nuke: The Avs are working and trying to get him done
EJ: EJ is not retiring (sounds like speculation, but very confident speculation)

Fluery: Colorado could be a possibility if Kuemper walks. Other teams are MIN, PIT, TOR

 

[niwotsblessing]

If I was a GM Nichushkin would be a nerve wracking situation for me. He looked amazing in the playoffs and was always productive for the Avs but my god he was awful for Dallas. I would be very worried that while his forchecking translates to any system, his hockey IQ is highly dependent on system. I think Bednars system just clicked with him and he thrived. A new system…id expect a BIG production drop off, especially when coupled with the fact he will play with significantly worse talent wherever he goes. When things click he is worth every penny of 6.5m aav. When they don’t click he ends up on waivers. Avs know he fits in their system so Sakic must have much more peace of mind giving the guy big money than some other GM. Imagine giving him 7m aav and getting 7 goals and 30 points. That’s a very real possibility on another team.

The same holds true for Kadri and Burakovsky- they are getting paid for last season, and Kadri especially may have just had his career year.

 

[Bender]

Good points. I agree that Horvat would probably be a better fit, given that he's better defensively and also likely comes a little cheaper cap-wise.

The Avs have had interest in him dating back to before the Kadri trade as well; i I remember right there was something brewing around Barrie + #16 (Newhook pick) and Horvat + #10 and/or Virtanen.

That said, Horvat seems to be the one who Vancouver want to keep around, for the same reasons that he'd be attractive for Colorado. If he's available though then I agree he should be the primary target over Miller.

I also wonder if the Avs are completely convinced that Newhook can't play center. If they think he can then trading him is unlikely.

Agree with you but I think winning the Cup changes things.

Hell, I was laughed at before the playoffs when I suggested that the Avs could go into next season with Newhook as the #2C and if it truly doesn't work, then you look at adding a piece at the TDL. I think that now that we are the champs, there is more pressure to 'keep up with the rest of the league' than there was before when we were simply just trying to win it all - if that makes sense. Not sure it's really the time to experiment. I also think that TDL prices are going to be a lot higher for the Avs at the TDL than they would be right now when you're trying to make hockey deals. (when you just look at the price TB paid for Hagel - ouch)

Besides, if they could make a trade for Horvat (would be dependant on him signing a long-term contract) that would lock-in the Top-2 center positions for the next 8 years. If I'm Sakic and McFarland, that's the move that I'm trying to make to keep the team as competitive as possible for the length of Mack's next contract.

We heard a lot of stuff out of Vancouver this past year and a lot of it revolved around there being a split in the dressing room with Horvat on one side and Miller on the other. I don't know WHO else was on either side (but that would be really interesting to find out) but I think one of those guys is for sure traded before the summer is out.

 

[LOFIN]

Friedman:

Kuemper: There's a decent chance he signs in Colorado
Nuke: The Avs are working and trying to get him done
EJ: EJ is not retiring (sounds like speculation, but very confident speculation)

Fluery: Colorado could be a possibility if Kuemper walks. Other teams are MIN, PIT, TOR

Sounds good

 

[Cousin Eddie]

Friedman:

Kuemper: There's a decent chance he signs in Colorado
Nuke: The Avs are working and trying to get him done
EJ: EJ is not retiring (sounds like speculation, but very confident speculation)

Fluery: Colorado could be a possibility if Kuemper walks. Other teams are MIN, PIT, TOR

A little later Friedman also did go on to say if Kuemper re-signs in Colorado there will be some disappointed goalies because they want a chance to play in Colorado.

 

[John Mandalorian]

EJ was on Spittin' Chiclets recently and talked about a variety of things including why he remained on the ice after the game. I encourage anyone/everyone to look that up and see for yourself if it seems like he's about to retire. From that interview, it doesn't seem like it to me but feel free to judge for yourself.

 

[Ararana]

A little later Friedman also did go on to say if Kuemper re-signs in Colorado there will be some disappointed goalies because they want a chance to play in Colorado.

100% Fluery

 

[The Pwnerer]

Interesting to see how much potential turnover a Stanley Cup Champion team can have in one offseason. Sakic really has his work cut out for him. You would think guys would want to stay but at the same time can't blame them for getting a huge pay day. A couple months ago it was blasphemy to think we could potentially lose Nuke, but here we are. Thank goodness we got our cup with this previous group because I think even in our most ambitious guesses, the team is going to look pretty different next year.

I will say with DK, although he was horrible in the playoffs. Winning the Stanley Cup gave him invaluable experience. He will be a lot better and mentally tougher for his next playoff run.

 

[The Abusement Park]

IDK if this was posted or not. If so, my apologies.

Lmao so Bruce Cassidy sucks.

 

[jimmysheva]

John Tavares with 50% retained

 

[Goulet17]

Friedman:

Kuemper: There's a decent chance he signs in Colorado
Nuke: The Avs are working and trying to get him done
EJ: EJ is not retiring (sounds like speculation, but very confident speculation)

Fluery: Colorado could be a possibility if Kuemper walks. Other teams are MIN, PIT, TOR

I believe that signing Kuemper to a significant contract is a real mistake.

 

[Pokecheque]

What's wrong with Sean Monahan? Injuries?

Yeah.

 

[Bender]

I believe that signing Kuemper to a significant contract is a real mistake.

I think it depends what that looks like.

I have a hard time imagining that they'd sign him for more than 4 years and more than $5M AAV.

 

[hughdreamz]

I’d give Kuemper term if I could bring AAV into the low 5s/high 4s. He could become be a serviceable back up later on.

 

[Balthazar]

Marek: "I know that (Kadri) is asking for a lot of money".

(Just in case someone still thought there was a chance he could come back).

 

[shadow1]

I see the appeal of keeping Kuemper. Sakic paid a lot for him and he had a great regular season.

To illustrate that, from November onward Kuemper was third in Wins (33) - behind Saros and Vasilevskiy (35) - and 2nd in SV% (0.924), behind only Shesterkin (0.933).

But, he stunk in April and that carried over into the playoffs. The eye injury obviously didn't help.

 

[Bender]

I’d give Kuemper term if I could bring AAV into the low 5s/high 4s. He could become be a serviceable back up later on.

I dunno... I kind of think that despite the NON-NEWS we just received : "Kuemper: There's a decent chance he signs in Colorado" - wow, bombshell I feel like the Avs certainly want to bring him back but I doubt they want to give him a lot of term. They seem to really believe in Annunen and it's going to be his turn in 2-3 years.

That's why I think at age 32, the Avs could do 3 or 4 years but probably won't want to go longer than that. If Darcy wants more and I wouldn't blame him for that, he can surely get that on the open market.

I won't be surprised if he does move on and the Avs are all the more content to sign a goalie like Fleury to a 1 year deal for lesser money. It gives them more flexibility and more cap space this year and lets them look at G options again next summer and maybe it gets solved internally at that point. It's riskier though because if they miss out because chuck fletcher offers to sign Fleury to a 5X5 contract, then we could be left to scramble once again. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.