This does seem like a tough spot for the avs. There doesnt seem to be too many options at the main problem area of 2C. There are no clearly available options as the Ilses are attempting to re-sign Nelson, there would be a bidding war if he became available and hes a pure rental. Kadri could be an option if he becomes available the Flames have shown they are willing to retool on the fly. But it might be a mistake to push the chips in this season in either of those ways.
I am fully on the replace Bednar train but with the Rantanen move already being a shock to the team, a coaching change should be an off season move.
I like the idea of a retool with a team in an even worse situation than the Avs the Bruins. See if a change of scenery or shake up with Colton and Wood for Coyle who is also underperforming.
Avs trade:
Colton, Wood, Malinski and whatever we need to add at this point.
Bruins trade:
Coyle, Peeke
Bruins get a little more breahing room against the cap and get a little younger. Avs get to chang things up a little and get an ex Jacket, as it is written.
Pick up a versitle bottom six player in Jake Evans and get him signed, some Lehky in his game but maybe not the top six tools.
Coyle is somewhat Mittelstadt insurance as a stop gap for playoffs, not a truly successful 2C but could allow for rolling of lines 2 - 4 behind the top line or just try Necas there with Coyle on the RW. Him and Evans are bargain bin duscount insurance for Nuke too on RW.
Druion/MacK/Nuke
Lehky/Necas/Coyle
Pars/Mittelstadt/Evans
Kivi/Drury/LOC
Toews/Makar
Girard/Manson
Middleton/Peeke
3 things to find out for playoffs is can Nuke make it through without imploding, can Landy make it back this year, can Bednar put up a good showing with the tools he has.