Forwards – I’m really not sold on the idea of Hall on a long term deal, but at the end of the day I’m not going to argue too hard against it. I’ll trust in Sakic on this call. I would let Namestnikov and Nieto walk (even though I really like Nieto). Kaut, LOC, and Bowers should all get opportunities to play extensive time in the NHL next season.

Defense – I would still trade Z and see if you can get a second round pick for him and then sign another guy or two in the Barberio/Connauton range to fill in that 7-10 role behind a starting 6 of Graves/Makar, Girard/Timmins, and Cole/Byram to start the season. Between the two signings and MacDonald and Lindholm you have enough serviceable depth to sit one of the rookies if they hit a rough stretch and need a perspective change for a game or two and injury fill ins.

Goalie – I think there will be enough in free agency (Markstrom?) who could be had at a reasonable price without giving up assets. The one thing about goalies is that they all tend to be streaky and it is probably the most injury prone position there is and the Avs have had bad luck with their last two starters and groin/hip issues. I think it is best to have a strong platoon situation where you have two guys pushing each other.