Welcome to Avs nation on Lemmy! I have mostly favorable opinions of the moves. It may have been too early to move on from Newhook, but if draft puck becomes an NHL contributor it’s a good trade in my opinion. I like odds of Colton, Johansson, Drouin making impacts. New winger from New Jersey looks like a great defensive forward signing. Avs needed a little chip to their game and most new players can also skate uptempo.
EJ wasn’t coming back unless he accepted a leave minimum contract. ERod was a solid player last year but I think Avs new acquisitions can pay off in terms of depth, face offs and physicality in a way where we won’t miss him or JT. I’m somewhat surprised JT signed with Wings and not Blackhawks.
One of the big question marks of the team is if Nichuskin can come back and contribute like a top two way winger again given his recent troubles. If not, that contract will be a problem.
I think the Drouin signing could be a nice pickup if he clicks with MacKinnon on power play. The new Byram signing also is good for next two years and hopefully he can show he can stay healthy. It will also be important for Avs to trade Toews for assets or extend him. Can’t let him walk for nothing.
This article is a good write up on new moves, https://theathletic.com/4658849/2023/07/01/avalanche-free-agency-wood-drouin/