DENVER (AP) — Derick Brassard only needed to take a right and walk a few steps to join his new team.From one dressing room to the other — about as short a journey as a traded player can have. No way for the forward’s luggage to get lost Nick Foligno Jersey , either.The Colorado Avalanche acquired the 31-year-old Brassard and a conditional sixth-round draft pick Monday at the NHL trade deadline from Florida for a 2020 third-round selection. Colorado only gets the sixth-round pick if the team re-signs Brassard, a pending free agent at the end of the season.Brassard made his Colorado debut Monday night against his former squad, just a few hours after the move.“I’m really excited to be here and trying to do my best to help this team,” said Brassard, who wore No. 18 for the Avalanche. “We’re in a tight playoff push right now and I feel like I can help this team.”Brassard briefly took the ice in Denver for the Panthers‘ morning skate but was pulled off with the trade about to happen. He then made the trek to the home locker room. It was a move similar to one in Ottawa, where Matt Duchene was traded to Columbus last Friday. The Senators then played the Blue Jackets that night.This marked the second time Brassard has been traded in the past month after going from Pittsburgh to Florida. Even more, it’s the fifth time he’s been dealt overall.He knew this deal was about to happen. That’s why he packed most of his things, knowing he likely wouldn’t be returning to Florida.“Just before we got on this road trip, I knew Colorado was talking to my agent and stuff,” Brassard said. “I knew it might’ve happened. I’m just really excited not to have to go anywhere with my suitcase and stuff. That’s good.”This was a deal the Avalanche could swing without giving up one of their prized first-round picks in the upcoming draft or a top prospect in their system.“We were looking at the big picture Authentic Oliver Bjorkstrand Jersey , but part of the picture is we’d like to make the playoffs,” general manager Joe Sakic said. “This team deserves a chance for a little boost to try to help get there.”As for trying to extend Brassard’s contract, that’s a conversation for later, Sakic maintained.“We want to try to get in the playoffs and see where it goes,” he said. “Performance is going to dictate everything.”Usually a center, Brassard knows that particular spot is stacked in Colorado. It was the same way in Florida and he was moved to the wing, where he had one goal and three assists in 10 games with the Panthers.“I’ll play anywhere as long as it’s the right fit for everyone,” said Brassard, the sixth overall pick by the Blue Jackets in the 2006 draft. “I’m just going to try to go out there and have fun. Try to keep it simple.”More than anything, the 6-foot-1 Ryan Murray Jersey , 202-pound Brassard brings playoff know-how. He’s suited up in 90 postseason games with the New York Rangers, Ottawa and Pittsburgh.“I’ve played in some big games,” Brassard said. “The core of this team is still really young. I’m going to try to bring that experience.” Chicago Blackhawks (31-30-9, seventh in the Central Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (37-27-7, fourth in the Atlantic Division)Montreal; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDTBOTTOM LINE: Patrick Kane leads Chicago into a matchup against Montreal. He’s third in the NHL with 99 points, scoring 41 goals and totaling 58 assists.The Canadiens are 20-11-4 on their home ice. Montreal has given up 43 power-play goals, killing 80.5 percent of opponent chances.The Blackhawks are 15-17-3 on the road. Chicago ranks eighth in the NHL recording 9.2 points per game, averaging 3.4 goals and 5.8 assists. In their last meeting on Dec. 9, Montreal won 3-2.TOP PERFORMERS: Max Domi leads the Canadiens with 62 total points Sergei Bobrovsky Jersey , scoring 24 goals and collecting 38 assists. Andrew Shaw has collected 8 points over the last 10 games for Montreal.LAST 10 GAMES: Blackhawks: 6-4-0, averaging 3.8 goals, 6.4 assists, 2.1 penalties and 4.5 penalty minutes while giving up 3.5 goals per game with a .891 save percentage.Canadiens: 4-6-0, averaging 2.8 goals, 4.8 assists, three penalties and seven penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game with a .896 save percentage.Canadiens Injuries: None listed.Blackhawks Injuries: Corey Crawford: day to day (illness).