EJ's buyout really isn't that bad. I can't see a scenario where the Aves don't pony up.

*Avs, just FYI. His buyout isn't that bad, but everything that they do this summer is about two things: 1) signing Makar long-term, and 2) preparing Mackinnon's next contract. $2 million doesn't sound like much, but it could make a big difference depending on how things shake out.

@KakkoForMauriceRichardAward If Landy walks, I see them making a run at Rakell and doubling their efforts to sign Saad.

Even though Mac has come out and said he'd take a discount for a quality team? I really don't think it'll be an issue. The Seattle coming in and ESPN getting the new contract. The cap will go up. Sign Makar long term now and in a few years that'll look like a steal of a contract.

That was definitely nice to hear, but the NHLPA would flip if he signed at too big a discount. He'll make north of $10 million easy. As for the cap, my understanding is that the league has already told teams to expect a flat cap for the next five years... But yeah, I've heard they're pushing for an 8-year deal for Makar. Landy and Grubauer deals will likely follow once they know what Makar's number is.

Why would you let him walk? He’s elite.

Landeskog? Not one Avs fan wants to see him in a different jersey, but I think the organization is trying to be smart about how much they're paying out. He knows the's the belle of the ball in UFA and is leveraging that to get paid (more than RNH), and you can't blame him for that. On the organization's side, they're probably trying to be careful about handing out an 8-year term for someone whose game relies upon physicality and a certain level of speed. The slowdown will inevitably come, especially since he's 28 already. If he truly wants to break the bank, then I think the organization has to be realistic about it. There are trade options out there in Rakell, Garland, etc., but he'll obviously be difficult to replace.

Do you know how much he is getting offered? I would be comfortable in the 7-8 range but not much more than that.

I would guess a 6-year term at $7-7.5 million, with the term being the issue, but that's just a guess over his "disappointed" comments.

If he wants 8.5-9m....that is a lot of money for your 4th best player behind MacKinnon Makar and Rantanen and with Grubaur being a more important position, the teams 5th. Its just the reality of the situation. Landy at that high of a project cap hit would be too much for what could be considered a luxury item outside the teams Core players.