It is clear to me that Mike is a competent GM and that he is not trying to destroy the franchise. For the sake of expediency we are using the veto as an opportunity to enrich the deal.
Further to what is already on the table, Colorado sends Joel Ward, $2.0m (2014-2017) in return for Montreal's 2nd Round Pick. This makes our trade look like this:
Joel Ward, $2.0m (2014-2017)
Brett Bulmer, $0.2m (2014-2016)
Christian Thomas, $0.2m (2014-2016)
C - Yan Pavel Laplante (2013: 3/62 - 0 Games)
LW - Mario Lucia (2011: 2/60 - 0 Games)
LW - Tyler Bertuzzi (2013: 2/58 - 0 Games)
For
Andrej Meszaros, $0.3m (2013-2015)
Derek MacKenzie, $0.2m (2013-2015)
2nd Round - 2014
I reiterate that Thomas is a highly rated offensive prospect that has seen a couple of NHL games and is close to ready. Bulmer is more of a 3rd liner but he should see full-time duty. Ward of course put up good numbers last season and is a piece that Montreal could really use.
This is a fair and reasonable deal so I am calling on JD to retract the Veto.
Cheers again Mike!