Quoting: SadlyAnOilFan
So say Colorado flipped Athanasiou to another team for two second rounders or something. That would mean he didn't sign with them and thus they would get to keep their first round pick. All I can say to that is man I wish you were the real GM.
Right. Let's be a little less optimistic for the return on Athanasiou's rights...
Trade Deadline
COL trades Newhook and 2021 3rd to DET
DET trades Athanasiou and 2021 3rd to CO
Off Season
COL trades Athanasiou rights and 2020 3rd to MTL
MTL trades 2020 2nd and 2021 5th to COL
So in essence:
COL gets rental use of Athanasiou, DET 2021 (VGK) 3rd, MTL 2020 2nd and 2021 5th
COL loses Newhook, 2020 2nd, and 2021 3rd.
So they get 3 draft picks and rental of a fast, goal scoring winger who's been playing on a team struggling to make plays in return for a good but not ready yet forward and one draft pick in each of the next two drafts.
But if Athanasiou is a key part to them getting to a finals or to the cup, they may decide losing the 2021 1st (which likely would be a late 1st) and not getting the 2021 3rd is worth keeping him for another run in 20-21.