Ya know, there is another option. And that option is . . . wait for it . . . .
The program works. Nuke disappears for 6 + months, does a complete Robert Downey Jr.-style clean out, comes back REALLY clean, and REALLY sober (and this time he means it) and plays great for the Avs.
Yes, I'm sure Avs management/the fans/the players are sick of the drama and turmoil and would just assume move on, but . . . the Avs may not have much of a choice depending on how hardball Nuke's lawyers and the NHLPA want to play. And what the cap hit would be for not playing him.
It's a little (OK, not much) like Russell Wilson and the Broncos - I was always of the opinion that as long as you are paying the guy and taking the cap hit . . . you might as well play him.
Just a (very unpopular) thought. I shall now run for cover.