Just a few thoughts here, mainly that this is going to be a really good opportunity for Bednar to change the way the league looks at different aspects of the game.

Defending without big defenders. First off, if the other team dumps it in, no problem – the D wins the race and starts the breakout. When they get hemmed in their own zone (which will happen to every D no matter how good they are) I would be very aggressive and always try to outman the puck and try to gain possession. When they get tired and stuck out there I think the safe play then would be to feed it to the side of the net where the goalie can freeze it.

PK, I agree with AJ in that the old school way of thought is over and that I would much rather have skilled guys with quickness and stick skills. You don’t need to knock guys around in the slot anymore, you’ll just put your team down 2 men if you do that too much. It’s all about tying up sticks and closing lanes.

PP, here’s where the innovation comes in. This team is so geared towards, and so very damn good, off the rush that they might try doing that more on the PP. I’m not saying go full 3 on 3 neutral zone regroup constantly, but when things get bogged down a bit, I wouldn’t mind seeing Makar just skate it back into the neutral zone get the forwards out into the neutral zone create some movement and speed and create a new rush opportunity. That’s just a thought on my part, but I think it should be something they consider instead of continuously forcing cross ice passes that rarely seem to work why not play to their actual strengths?

As for Expansion draft, I agree with the idea that EJ either waives the NTC or you buy him out. The way I’m looking at the Avs roster I don’t see Seattle passing up on a top 4 D in his 20’s with a reasonable contract and they’ll take either Toews or Graves. If you can’t get EJ to waive then they have their choice of which one they take, if you do get him to waive then we decide. I am not concerned at all about losing Compher or Donskoi because they can both be replaced and we need the cap space. No matter what, if it’s one of Compher, Donskoi, Graves, or Toews it will be much needed cap relief. No, I hope it’s not Toews but if that’s what it is and you can’t do anything with EJ then it is what it is. I am willing to bet that EJ will waive for what its worth.

Good pod guys, Glad Teows is signed for four years. I agree that EJ is all heart and soul an Av. Hopefully he will waive the NTC. If not, I agree that the Avs would be in a position where they have to buy him out so they don’t lose a younger defender specifically Teows. If Seattle takes either Graves, Donsokoi or Compher, you thank them for their service and wish them well and replace internally like you said. They are ready for this. I would be shocked if Seattle took EJ. And yes, the sooner they extend Landy and Makar the better.