Possible major trade between Habs and Avalanche: Pierre LeBrun weighs in and there's a new development that could speed up the process

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MarcO
November 29, 2022 (0:48)

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We told you about it last week, the reputable informer Pierre LeBrun has linked the name of center Sean Monahan to the Colorado Avalanche.

Acquired from the Calgary Flames last August, the forward has 14 points in 21 games so far, and he's been impressive. However, he will be an uncompensated free agent after the season and it's unclear what the organization's plan is for him.

Re-signing him could be expensive (close to $6 million per year), and Kent Hughes certainly won't want to lose him "for nothing".

That explains the trade rumors.

Let's also remember that there is still a surplus of forwards on the Habs right now, so it's a "think again", especially if a team offers a 2023 first round pick for Monahan, as some observers suggest.

If we're talking about potential destinations, Pierre LeBrun is said to have mentioned that the Colorado Avalanche would be looking for a second-round center and that Monahan is among the players that could absolutely interest GM Chris MacFarland.

There's news

Monahan was already of interest to the Avalanche, but now they just got some news that could speed up the process for them.

They just lost the services of their current second center, Evan Rodrigues, for a few weeks.

This could certainly activate their search process for a center player.

"Colorado just lost their 2nd center for a month. They have Newhook on the wing, but I'm sure Monahan is looking very good for them."

That's an interesting observation, but let's still mention that the Habs forward isn't the only potential target for the Avalanche, as LeBrun also mentioned Jonathan Toews and Ryan O'Reilly as options for the Stanley Cup champions.

But in the case of these two players, it is likely that the price will be much higher than with Monahan.

Could the Canadiens make another deal with the Avalanche, this time involving Sean Monahan? Will the Av's offer their 2023 first round pick to immediately fill this hole in their roster?

Pierre LeBrun seems to think so, and with this injury to Rodrigues, it's something to keep an eye on.