Use that Cap Space

Darling can easely be buried by Cannes. They have cap space.

Took the idea from a Canes fan - https://www.capfriendly.com/armchair-gm/team/1259676 - I think you are right that they have the space, but while they have a great young team they are also notoriously cheap and have some big contracts coming up.

first round pick is very expensive.

Perreault still has value even if he's overpaid by 1-1.5m. Therefore, he might be trade FOR a pick and not WITH a pick. But, just like Subban's case, the cost will be lower due to the contract. It's a guy like Kulikov that can't even make the top 6 at D that might be traded WITH a pick.

In short, Perreault might cost a 4th, and Kulikov might come with a 2nd. Habs have the cap space to get these two and it could be a trade like :

Perreault + Kulikov + 3rd /// Sklenička (AHL guy)

Also fine, Habs could use a LD, could be the trade your propose or just Kulikov and a 2nd for a 4th and Sklenicka.