HABSLATEST | NHL TEAM | MONTREAL CANADIENS

Major Trade Looming Between the Avalanche and Canadiens Involving a Former Star Centre?

However, although a trade has not been officially completed, Darren Dreger confirmed to us that General Managers Chris MacFarland and Kent Hughes have discussed the possibility of proceeding with a trade involving the Canadiens' number 34.

Clearly, the Avalanche's GM has shown interest in Jake Allen, as he would like to add an experienced goaltender to his team to allow his number one netminder, Alexandar Georgiev, to have a real backup behind him. After all, it's understandable, since Ivan Prosvetov and Justus Annunen have only played 30 games in the NHL, which is far from ideal for a team aiming for high honors.

However, given that Colorado no longer has cap space, the Canadiens would need to take on a large contract to make such a trade happen. Moreover, looking at Jared Bednar's lineup, one player immediately caught our attention, one whose salary would fit perfectly in such a trade.

Acquired last summer to bolster the Avalanche's second line, the 31-year-old center has faced several challenges this season, collecting only 19 points in 54 games. Moreover, the former fourth overall pick has a salary of $4 million until 2025, a contract similar to Jake Allen's. A one-for-one trade could certainly benefit both teams.

"What could be interesting for Hughes is a trade with Colorado, who are looking for a veteran backup goaltender. You take Ryan Johansen, who is underperforming, with his salary of $4M for next year, for Allen and a choice.

Johansen actually makes $8M per season, but Nashville pays half of it. It practically doesn't change anything on the cap, it solves the goaltender problem, it adds an option for St. Louis in the attack, and like Allen, his contract ends at the end of the next season." - Jérémy Filosa

As Jérémy Filosa points out, on one hand, the Avalanche would acquire an experienced goaltender who has previously won the Stanley Cup. He would become a very interesting insurance policy if Georgiev were to suffer an injury by the playoffs.

On the other hand, the Montreal Canadiens would end their three-goalie situation, while adding a forward capable of scoring points. Martin St-Louis would thus have an additional option for composing his lines. Furthermore, if Johansen's offensive contribution has dropped in the last two seasons, it's still worth remembering that he collected 63 points (26 goals and 37 assists) in 2021-2022.

Previously on habslatest

Major Update for Kirby Dach: We Now Know His Fate for the Rest of the Season

Canadiens to Fall Victim of Massive Betrayal? Insider Hints at the Possibility

Top NHL Insider Comments on the Rumoured Jake Allen to Colorado Trade

POLL
15 FEVRIER \| 677 ANSWERS Major Trade Looming Between the Avalanche and Canadiens Involving a Former Star Centre? Ryan Johansen for Jake Allen, would you do it?
Yes	537	79.3 %
No	140	20.7 %
LIST OF POLLS