I can't see why Avs would have interest in 6.8m Monahan this year and especially next season.

Avs can commit to one 2nd liner on a long term deal starting in 22-23 and will have space for one more 2nd liner just for that 22-23 season as well. Newhook centering 2nd line.

If you are going to give up on Barron it shouldn't be for a rental

Monahan's natural position is Center and the AVs are set there, Switch Giroux and Monahan since Giroux is a RHS and Monahan is a LHS.

Fair, I would be lead to assume that Sakic would be trying re-sign Giroux if Barron or Helleson go. I could see him being a cheaper, shorter term option at 2C for the Avs than Kadri and to me would look like a nice transition piece until Newhook is a more matured, more filled-out 2C option.

To add to this, I think Burakovsky is more valuable too. I'd be happy to re-sign him for 6-6.5 too.

Calling Monahan a 2nd liner at this point is extremely generous. Colorado can't afford a $6.4m 3rd line center.

True, I had this same idea in trading for Miller. Takes pressure off Newhook assuming Kadri has outplayed what the Avs are willing to pay him. I don't think you'd get Giroux for the price Miller is already signed at.

This is true, I think Sakic may be able to talk Giroux into a 2-3 year deal at 6.5 cap hit or so. I know it's low but if anyone has that kind of magic, it's Joe. Which I think is nice growth period for Newhook. I would prefer that level of veteranship + skill with that term to Miller.

But at the same time, the more contracts that end when Mack needs to be re-signed the better. Newhook could only need another year before he's a consistently solid 2C. Miller is just as complementary as Giroux in terms of where you'd need him in the Top 6 at any given time.