The Avs are just finishing up a rebuild and looking to get faster and younger. They most likely wouldn't have interest in Patches at all, let alone over pay for him. For the 16th and a decent prospect they could get a better player in Skinner. So the Avs would tell them to sit on their thumbs.
Also no way does Bennett get you a 1st. Nor is that a good deal for MTL.
If the AVs just finished a rebuild I get the wanting to get faster, but why would they want to get younger already. They have their young core and add on that they are already one of the youngest teams as it is. I would imagine they would like to add 1-2 vets that have playoff experience.
And to your point on a better player in Skinner. This whole thing of Pacioretty on one off year which the whole Habs team was below average except Gallagher and Petry.
Pacioretty brings a lot more tangibles to the table then just scoring which Skinner in my eyes doesn’t. Pacioretty PKs/ plays a strong two way game which I’ve watched Skinners play multiple times this season and feel his defensive game is lacking. Skinner is not strong defensively and has been a minus player every single year he’s play except his first year.
Pacioretty has the speed to play with the AVs roster. If age is a concern then just say his age. But don’t state Skinner is overall better because of one bad season from Pacioretty.