I would put Byram and Makar together, and put Toews with Malinski. The latter two have played really well together in limited action, and I think Toews can help fully unlock Sam. Byram has also developed nicely on the defensive side – he was probably Buffalo’s best two way d-man – so he and Makar would be much better both ways than many would expect.

As for whether Manson would exclude Buffalo… well, maybe that’s the hold up on a deal, and people on both sides are trying to convince him. We’ll see, I suppose.

Intriguing. Sabres have a need for a righty and too many LD. I don’t know why you’d bring him back except to play LD1. If not, you’d have the same problem as before he was traded. Is he a better all-around defenseman, and match w Cale, than Toews? Doubtful. His offense and ceiling are better/higher than Toews. it seems that Bo is in the $7 – $8m AAV x 6 yr future contract range.

Avs would have to include Colton along with Manson to make it worthwhile for Sabres and for the cap $ to work for Avs. Then they would have ~ $4 m remaining to fill 3 bottom 6 spots w no other trades.

I wonder if Buffalo is on Manson’s 12 team no move list? Likely?

I think Rosco would have to be the one. But is Manson plus Colton enough to bring Byram back?