Avs decline. They won 5 of the last 7 games while missing quite some players like Landeskog and Rantanen. They are playing good and this is the opportunity to give some talented players a shot at the NHL. When everybody gets back they already have good depth.

Landy - MacKinnon - Rantanen will be the first line when everybody is healthy, and Bura - Kadri - Donskoi were really good too when playing together. Burakovsky is playing way too good to play outside the top 6. I think the Avs gives up way too much to boost the bottom 6

it'll cost more just to trade for Kreider.

I dont think Carolina is that worried about their goaltending that they will give up a first for a goalie who is very promising but still unproven over a full season. Fast is nice too, but firsts shouldn't be thrown around that easily.
I could see the Av's being in on Krieder or Strome nearer the deadline at what they feel is the right price, but no need to panic now, they are still playing well.

Take away Strome and Fast and it works...