Keep an eye on the Habs regarding the Claude Giroux sweepstakes, Kent Hughes could imitate Steve Yzerman

As the NHL trade deadline draws ever closer, expect to see more significant deals over the next few days and weeks.

One of the names that attracts the most attention is Claude Giroux. The Flyers will probably trade the face of their franchise, and it will be big.

Yesterday, insider Adrian Dater, beat reporter for the Colorado Avalanche, revealed that Claude Giroux has officially requested a trade.

On the other hand, there is a clear condition.

He wants to be traded to the Colorado Avalanche. Worst case, the St. Louis Blues and the Minnesota Wild would be acceptable destinations for him, good alternatives. But, he clearly wants to go to Colorado, and he has control over his destiny with a no-trade clause.

Where it gets interesting is that the Avalanche will only have $1.7 million available under the salary cap as of March 21.

You guess that's not enough to accommodate Giroux's salary (8.25 million). The Flyers and the Avalanche must therefore involve a third party in the trade, in order to retain the maximum possible in salary. (only to end the year)

With the absences of Carey Price, of Shea Weber, with the trade of Tyler Toffoli and the one of Ben Chiarot (soon), Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will have plenty of room under the cap.

Giroux would therefore be traded to Montreal, Montreal would retain the maximum allowable salary, and he would then be immediately sent to Denver. (exactly as Steve Yzerman did last season, acting as intermediary in the trade involving David Savard)

In exchange for this salary retention, the Habs will be able to get their hands on a prospect or an additional pick.

It will be interesting to follow.