Sharks do this.

I'm curious if COL does.

Goaltending is good, defence is great. Top 9 forward group is lacking though. They really need a true #2C. It may be wise for them to look into PLD (if PLD is willing to extend).

Also, that's an overpay for 1 year of Barabanov. I believe 2nd round pick should do it with the retention.

Overpay for Barabanov and that 1st rounder should only really be used if it builds into getting a genuine 2C.

Just curious, Newhook can't handle the 2C?

I wouldn't get stuck too much on the position of player - the way the Avs play their forwards, it doesn't matter as much as many believe. They just need good middle-six forwards. But this is too high a price for Barabanov; I'd make it the 2024 1st and see if the Sharks bite (yuk, yuk).

He didn't do great when given the opportunity but he's still got lots of runway if the team will be patient with him. I'd say they give him a two-year deal then see how it plays out. At the very least, he's a serviceable bottom-six player.

He has the possibility to develop into a #2C. But this year he put up 14 goals, 30 points in 82 games. You want your number 2C to double that in terms of production. Having him as a 3C or 2LW to start the season is a wise move. Depth down the middle is never a bad thing.

On board with this. Thought he did really well as 3C when surrounded by responsible defenders in Cogs and LOC. Would like to see him there full time on a checking line while he develops his fit offensively. Would like to see them give him a deal in the 1.5-2M range for 2-3 years if he would take it.

Not yet. This season didn't help him much and I worry about the Avs doing the same to him as they did to Jost and to some degree Compher. Young players need stability and a decent opportunity. The plan this year had always been (IIRC) to play him between Nuke and Landy which obviously didn't happen. Add to that JTC took the 2C slot and pretty much ran with it, so he didn't get much opportunity there. Then add in what amounts to something of a sophomore slump as well and having to move around the line up with the other injuries and you get what you got.

I mean, who were his line mates though?
Also, you guys battled injuries all season.

1st is definitely too much, even though AB is very productive for his cap hit. Would Hertl interest the Avs as a long-term 2C solution? He'll still be plenty productive for the next 4-5 years, especially with a much better surrounding cast.