Next season

Habs can keep Armia

Why are you intent on moving Armia? The guy has been consistent for the first time in his career, and seems genuinely to have figured things out on the mental side of the game.

I expect great things from him next year.

I'm thinking he's moving him out because of the same points you are making. First time he's been consistent. Trade him while he's got value and won't lose him to UFA as he's saying those things to the Habs thinking he's worth 5M$/yr. At 1.5M$/x1 I'd keep him if it wasn't for Gally and Anderson taking the right wing, but at 3.4M$ if someone is willing to take him for depth and a contract year player who will give it all to get that next contract, it's a good move for a team looking to rebuild and have a few players able to move into his spot.

He's back into playing mode, but you want to maximize the return on that player.

Then don't trade him in the off season but at the 2025 TDL where instead of getting a 4th round he might even fetch a late 2nd with retention. If he starts the year well and gets his (15-20 goals / 10-15 assists) on 50ish matches we will get a good return.

Taking our final retention spot right now removes any type of flexibility during the year on other contracts.

Dvorak is an other player we might need that retention spot at the TDL (there's also always broker teams)

Why all this useless move
Armia is good for the fourth
Same for Kovy on the 7D spot
If Harris move , it’s for something tangible
We already have to many pick