Jordan Boutilier: Who should the Avalanche Add this Offseason?

Toews' value will probably not be getting any higher and the odds of them being able to afford him plus a Mikko contract in the not so distant future aren't great. I don't like the idea of trading him, and I'd rather take a shot with him next season, but I understand that some might want to get something rather than nothing.

I feel like Byram is going to want to break the bank. I'd really love to see him sign something in the 7 year 6 mil range though. I'm sure they have an idea of what they can or will be committing to him and Newhook, but I'm worried this will be a summer long process that impacts the decisions they can make in terms of additions.

Personally none of those FAs listed really do much for me. Although to be fair, with Bertuzzi it's more about his last name than anything. It's really hard to fathom a Bertuzzi playing for this franchise, but then again Brad May did. I don't think they can afford him in any case. I'd rather see them explore trade options for someone like Nick Schmaltz, Lawson Crouse, or even Sam Bennett. I'd love to get Sam Bennett on this team, but that probably went out the window when the Cats made the playoffs.

Personally none of those FAs listed really do much for me. Although to be fair, with Bertuzzi it's more about his last name than anything. It's really hard to fathom a Bertuzzi playing for this franchise, but then again Brad May did. I don't think they can afford him in any case. I'd rather see them explore trade options for someone like Nick Schmaltz, Lawson Crouse, or even Sam Bennett. I'd love to get Sam Bennett on this team, but that probably went out the window when the Cats made the playoffs.
- ddMoose

Well said on Bertuzzi, I feel exactly the same. He'd probably be a perfect addition if he were a little less of an a-hole and didn't have that last name. I was one of the people who booed Brad May off the ice at the 2005 Burgundy and White game at Magness as LaCroix looked on. I still can't believe he thought Avs fans would be OK with having that despicable tool on the team.

I see wingers and a 3C...I don't see a 2C for a contender. A trade then.

Flyers will trade you Kevin Hayes for future considerations.

I see wingers and a 3C...I don't see a 2C for a contender. A trade then.
- DarthProbert

This will be my next eval article. Definitely need to fill that hole and I think it's going to be a dman for a center type deal IMO

C Ivan Barbashev (Golden Knights)

FA, had 60 points in 21/22, brings some grit and is playing very well in the playoffs this year.

Well said on Bertuzzi, I feel exactly the same. He'd probably be a perfect addition if he were a little less of an a-hole and didn't have that last name. I was one of the people who booed Brad May off the ice at the 2005 Burgundy and White game at Magness as LaCroix looked on. I still can't believe he thought Avs fans would be OK with having that despicable tool on the team.
- FoppaForever

I know about Bertuzzi obviously, but what's Brad May's history?

I know about Bertuzzi obviously, but what's Brad May's history?
- jmatchett383

By most accounts, May is the one who put the bounty on Steve Moore's head in the Canuck's room, goaded Bertuzzi into doing what he did and then later accused Moore of faking his injuries.

I know about Bertuzzi obviously, but what's Brad May's history?
- jmatchett383

Apparently he publicly put a bounty on Moore's head after he blew up Naslund

C Ivan Barbashev (Golden Knights)

FA, had 60 points in 21/22, brings some grit and is playing very well in the playoffs this year.
- Quetzalcoatl

This. Barbashev was the number one guy I wanted at the deadline, I hope they consider him this offseason.

By most accounts, May is the one who put the bounty on Steve Moore's head in the Canuck's room, goaded Bertuzzi into doing what he did and then later accused Moore of faking his injuries.
- FoppaForever

He said Moore was perfectly fine like two weeks after the assault. So if he knew that at the time, why was he fine coming to play for this franchise? And why was Lacroix fine paying him to do it?

I would absolutely go after Orielly despite the history because at the end of the day he is a guy that will help you win a cup

By most accounts, May is the one who put the bounty on Steve Moore's head in the Canuck's room, goaded Bertuzzi into doing what he did and then later accused Moore of faking his injuries.
- FoppaForever

I have no issue with putting a bounty on a guy's head after he injures your star player, either with hard hits or a fight (i.e. Shawn Thornton vs. Matt Cooke). Bertuzzi was the one who took it took far. But accusing Moore of faking his injuries is (frank)ed up.

I would absolutely go after Orielly despite the history because at the end of the day he is a guy that will help you win a cup
- Avsrchamps01

I actually thought he was one of the more noticeable Leafs forwards, definitely more than Tavares and Marner.

Go for O’Reilly and Drouin.
Trade Manson before he craters, hope it’s a younger F coming back. Crouse?