Byram has done enough already to warrant a bigger deal than that and honestly so has Newhook, Mayfield isn’t signing that deal right handed dman that can actually play get double that.

Yeah, I was sort of basing it on Byram not being able to stay healthy and Newhook being on pace for fewer points than last season in spite of playing more games and more minutes but you're probably right. I almost wen't somewhere else other than Mayfield so you could put a 3rd-pair guy there at $1M or less. I also could see a scenario in which Toews or Girard get traded to make some space.

I like how Newhook has been playing, I just think Bednar crushes young non superstars with his usage and blendering guys. I do think it’s an opportunity for COL to get Newhook on a good 3 year deal. COL does have to keep a careful eye on the coming years with Toews up at the end of next season and Mikko the season after getting some of those guys on lower deals through the first year of Rantanen’s deal would be kind of sweet.