As for the Montreal Canadiens, they can get that first-round pick. Colorado is expecting to go deep and ideally (for them), that pick ends up being one in the mid-to-low 20s. Bowen Bryam and Connor Timmins are likely non-starters in trade talks, but someone like Alex Newhook is a prospect the Avs may be willing to part with.
Newhook was in Montreal’s wheelhouse at last year’s draft. The Canadiens chose to select Cole Caufield instead (great pick), leaving Newhook to go to the Avs. Since then, he’s had a solid freshman year with Boston College putting up 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points in 28 games. Caufield has the same amount of total points with the University of Wisconsin but has two more goals (18).
The Montreal Canadiens need more star talent upfront. Nick Suzuki is a prime example, and they must continue to find ways to add it. Trading Tatar may be a good avenue to do that.
The Avalanche may think that’s too much, and Bergevin will have to be creative with his negotiations. That said, if Kreider comes off the board and a battle begins between Colorado and the Boston Bruins, for example, it may be done.
There are five days until the Trade Deadline, and there’s still time for Bergevin to make those decisions for the Montreal Canadiens. However, teams aren’t waiting and are willing to pull the trigger earlier than that. If Tomas Tatar ends up being on the move, the Colorado Avalanche make the most sense, especially if the Habs can grab one of those skilled prospects.