Save your cap....don't sign Hertl for that $$$$ and term.

Who should it be spent on instead?

Fwiw I don't think Sakic will target a big fish like this. The Avs organization has usually preferred to bet on their young players by signing them with term instead of bridging them (as the Avs would be forced to do here with Newhook and Byram).

He’s going to have to up some of his game this year to make it happen. Remember this was his draft +1 year as a European and the Avs decided the junior route to ensure he played top line PP1 minutes all season. I think he will need a year in the AHL. As much as I like Hertl a contract that big that long becomes a burden for signing some of the young talent, especially when I think their are some cheaper options available especially with Newhook at 2C. I know everybody wants to try and safe guard the kid, but he has taken 3C and run with it and he needs to be given that shot next year not looking over his shoulder. Also I really believe one of Barron or Helleson is going to be used at the TDL or in the off season to add a top end piece. And lastly if Byram is healthy he’s too 4, he proved already that he’s that because the kid is a beast.

Agreed

Kadri...for less money and term.

As crazy as it sounds if BOS doesn’t want to QO him much like WAS with Burakovsky maybe COL does a trade for him to get a discounted guy for the 2nd line allowing them to spread some more money around.

Bro what the hell, that was my first thought too. Lol.

Olausson looked good in pre-season too. Doesnt matter what league or level hes playing at, he can dunk on goalies with that shot of his.

What is it about Olausson's game that you think needs to be upped to make it happen? He already has an elite shot - I'd argue better than Burakovsky given that his release is much faster, and his skating ability is also good enough to work in the Avs system. He has some growing pains defensively, but it's not like he's that much worse than Burakovsky. Nichuskin should also help insulate him a bit.

Newhook was demoted to 4C today (with Helm and LOC) and that line stunk the place up. He scored a nice goal at the end but he still needs to learn how to drive his own line better before we hand the 2C reigns over to him for good.

I do agree though that it's unlikely that Sakic signs a big fish in UFA with this much term. He plays it safe most of the time and won't risk making a signing like that for someone external to the organization who he doesn't know yet if they'll mesh with the lockerroom and team.

Kadri is getting PAID and isn't going to trend upwards into his mid/late 30's. The right decision is to let him walk.

Yeah, DeBrusk is the best comparable to Burakovsky in Washington, I could definitely see Sakic targeting him. He has two years as an RFA remaining so Sakic could sign him to a one year QO to try him out and then decide in 2023 what to do with him long-term. That's been his approach with Burakovsky (and Nichuskin) too and DeBrusk would be a near identical situation.

Yeah, those goals last night had a nice variety too. A tight snipe in close, then a laser from distance, before potting two rebounds while using his large frame to get position in the slot. Those goals are transferable to the NHL, especially the snipes.

But signing Hertl who will be one month short of 29 years of age when he hits the ice next season shouldn't be signed to 7 year deal. I would say 4 years for Kadri max. Unless Kadri wants to sign for a little more money or term on a crappy team (with teams), the Avs seems like his best choice.

Obviously defensively, play without the puck, and I’d like to see what we’ve seen lately on a more consistent basis. Also it’s a big leap from the OHL to the NHL playing against bigger stronger faster guys 82 games.

Newhook is on 20 goal pace as a 3C, taking on a pk role, it’s a nice progression and I expect even more from him the last part of the season and into the playoffs.

Yeah I think a move like that maybe let’s them be a little more creative especially if say they did get Giroux at the dead line and were able to get him to take a shorter term cheaper deal to win, or give a Pavelski a one year deal.