Ngl if I had to pick between Graves/Toews and Donskoi+3rd, the D would get picked.

I don't know if a 3rd+Donskoi would stop me from picking Graves, tbh.

Exactly. Choice between one of two solid dmen on very reasonable contracts or Donskoi+3rd seems like an easy choice.

I'd want a 1st not to take Graves or Toews.

Donskoi is a solid, but it costs way more than a 3rd to pass up on a bonafide top 4 Dman like Graves or Toews.

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

I agree with you that it's far more likely that Seattle will go for Graves. Not only is he a better player but Dmen are also more valuable in expansion drafts, which is why Vegas picked the maximum amount of Dmen in 2017.

That said, it would be optimal for Colorado to get to keep the strong defensive depth and instead lose one of Donskoi or Compher.

I'm sure that Seattle would be willing to make a deal, but the value would have to make sense. I feel like, with Covid and a flat cap, they're probably in better position than even Vegas was in terms of getting assets for taking on so/so contracts.

Yeah for sure, Seattle is entering the league at an incredibly advantageous point in time, and they will likely be able to build up a really good asset base from trades with cap-strapped teams.

Optimal for Colorado but That offer of a 3rd doesn’t make it optimal for Seattle to help you out. Now a 1&3 does that. Unfortunately for every team wanting Seattle to take bad contracts they are the hammer 🔨 and you’re the nail

Maybe you could trade Toews to a team who needs LHD, you know maybe the islanders or something

Think it would need to be a second with Donskoi, and unless Seattle are willing to wait until 2023......