What happens when Landeskog comes back?

If he does: trade Byram for futures, start Behrens, leave Drouin off, & go with two scratches. That's $6M+ with still some cap space. From there maybe find a cheaper backup G contract, a cheaper 4C, or cut another scratch. Its close enough they can make it work without too much trouble.

I like JGP, but it still leaves COL with a 3C pretending to be 2C.

I get that but JGP has several benefits: signed for 3 seasons, reasonable cap hit that doesn't force anyone off the roster immediately, all situations player, game suited for the playoffs. I'm sure Bednar would love him. He's basically what Johansen should have been. Best of all the Avs keep their best prospects: Ritchie, Gulyayev, Olausson, & Ritchie doesn't have to rush to the NHL. The Avs wingers are so strong they can carry the offense. If Nate were to go on IR, Mikko can be 1C.

The thing holding me back is that JGP's and Ryjo's production seem to be following a similar course, meaning that they both are trending down even though the numbers aren't the same. Same age. I worry that JGP will be Ryjo 2.0 soon, and he'll cost $1M more per year for longer.