retaining the core

I'd perfer to see Mikko on the wing and Erod at centre (hopefully third c). This team needs a legit second line centre to win another cup. Either through trade or FA (Lindholm, schmaltz, O'reilly). Newhook should be able to sign cheaper around 2.25-2.5 I'd think for a 2 year bridge. Could use that money to get a solid number 6 dman like calvin De haan. Could even send Macdermid to the minors and use that money towards a legit defenceman.

* Rodrigues turns 30 this summer, is coming off his two best years as a pro and he will be looking to get paid! This will likely end up being the biggest payday of his career. I'm not saying he's going to break the bank, but both the money and (especially) the term here are way too team-friendly, IMHO. He'll be able to get more of both from someone else on the open market, I don't think the Avs will be able to afford to keep him.

* Dadonov... I think $3 million is a reasonable number, but he's good enough to get longer term from whoever he signs with, and at 34, he'll surely be looking to do so.