Duchene has had one 70 point season, two 60+ seasons, and one 30 goal season.
Pacioretty has had FOUR 30+ goal seasons and FOUR 60+ seasons. He is also played on the PP and the PK. I prefer Pacioretty to Duchene, sorry. The OP does not consider the needs of the Habs significantly. Yes, we get a young top line centre to complement Galchenyuk, and that is sweet. Duchene is solid, overall. However, we give up our best goal scoring forward and top LW to do so. At best this is a lateral move that gives francophone fans a francophone player to cheer for. At worst, we just lost our best goal scoring forward for a guy who has proven he produces somewhat better than Plekanec. On top of all of this non offensive improvement, we get to pay more for the privilege in terms of cap (in regards to Duchene and Pacioretty).
I am not saying this considers the Avs' needs, either, but this is no steal for the Habs. Desharnais' contract ends this season, so it is a non factor. Grigorenko has not proven to be of any real value, so far. Siemens could pan out. So, we get nothing that improves us right now. However, we lose our best goal scoring threat, our best prospect with size and skill, a small centre who has proven useful when not being the coach's pet, and a 3rd round pick. At best, Grigorenko and Siemens cancels out DD and McCarron. I like Pacioretty better than Duchene. So we give up a 3rd to get a francophone who we would hope would be a player as good as the one we are losing?
No thanks.