That might start Winnipeg talking.

The Canadiens get one of the best NHL-affiliated prospects for only a first. The first would have probably been used to select someone of a similar caliber. This way, they get a guy who is more developed and ready to play in the NHL full-time. The Flames get their first back so they can fully initiate a rebuild. The Jets get an elite right-handed defenseman.

Calgary doesn’t do that

Why, they get to start a rebuild. And I HIGHLY doubt Andersson wants to be there for it. They can finally bottom out and they have their lottery pick next year to maybe select James Hagens.

That pick likely becomes the Florida pick, so it’s essentially trading Andersson for a late 1st. They can get a better return for him

100%. But this is just an outline and Montreal has a plethora of assets that they could throw at Calgary. And if they were willing to also take on Anderson's contract they could get even more. And just maybe if they're willing to get creative, there could be a 2024 first-round pick swap if Montreals guy isn't there at number 5.

If I'm a Calgary fan I'd rather have McGroarty directly.

find a way to have the habs give up the winnipeg first (and get compensated) so that winni and cal each gets their pick back, habs get mcgroarty

Sure, but would he actually play there is the question.

I don’t see the difference between Calgary and Montreal. I guess it’s possible he forces it but unlikely

The clear difference is that Montreal is coming to the end of a rebuild with an amazing young core of players. And Calgary is Calgary.