NHLTR Mock Trade: Montreal Canadiens Trade Jake Allen to the Colorado Avalanche

Our 2024 mock trade series continues with a stop in Montreal to showcase Canadiens netminder Jake Allen. The Habs have carried three goalies the entire season and that's very likely going to change before 3pm est on March 8. GM Kent Hughes is entertaining offers and there's been no shortage of interest.

Insert the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs are looking for depth in net as starter Alexandar Georgiev has played way too much already and there's some growing concerns over his work load. Georgiev leads all NHL goalies with 48 appearances and his .899 Sv.% isn't necessarily limiting the concern.

NHLTR Mock Trade: Jake Allen (50% salary retained) to the Avs for Justus Annunen & conditional draft pick

The Avs don't have a second-rounder until 2026 so Hughes and the Habs aren't likely interested there. Could the Avs move their first-rounder for just Allen? Likely not but if it's a conditional first based on Allen winning a playoff game, there's some potential there.

Allen's drawing interest from the New Jersey Devils and LA Kings as well so the Canadiens could work the market to drive up the price before March 8, but admittedly, this would be an overpayment for the Avalanche.

If David Savard is somehow included here, the Avs would move the first. He's a shot-blocking wizard and Colorado is expected to make multiple moves to load up for another Cup run.

Some more food for thought:

Then they got a 3-way trade between Colorado, Anaheim and Montreal:

COL gets Adam Henrique and Jake Allen.

ANA gets Calum Ritchie, 2025 COL 1st RD, Sean Behrens, Ryan Johansen.

MTL gets 2026 3rd RDer from Colorado

*ANA retains 50% on both Henrique and Allen.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) February 23, 2024