Grubauer will likely resign with the Avs.

Buyout Neal just to replace the contract with skinner? No way Buffalo eats that money over that term nor would Edmonton want to add that type of term.

Why would the Sabres want to do that

Yeah he's been great, I think the playoffs will decide if he's back with them for sure. If they don't bring him back I'd look at him if I was Holland.

It's that or they buy him out. His buyout is terrible too.

... and then play him on a checking line...

Even if Avs don't make a cup run this year there's no reason he wouldn't resign because the Avs are only going to get better.

It never hurts to have 5 wingers that can play in the top 6, slumps and injuries happen.

But dedicating $4.5M x 7 for a guy who can't play a checking role?

But you're distracting us from your other really bad move: Bear+Benson for Connor Brown. That's a MASSIVE overpay.

Or they just keep him and let him play. Krueger is gone

Skinner's contract is horrendous, even with retention. 6 years of Skinner doesn't help us.

Bear + Benson for Brown? Oof.

Honestly if salary wasn’t a thing and he didn’t have a boat load of term I’d be very interested to see him play with mcdavid and jp. He’s a fantastic skater and has shown the ability to get off quality shots would be very interesting. But the term remaining makes it impossible to justify taking that risk.

Ottawa declines.

Buyout is infinitely better than eating 4.5 for 8 years