Precisely. However the closer to the deadline, the less likely these other teams will be willing to trade away assets if they are still in the playoff hunt. That is why with MTL's season in serious trouble already, it is more than conceivable that they will be only one of a few teams who have big strong (decently mobile) minute munching Dman with over 50games of playoff experience available to trade. Also, with the possibility of 50% retention, he could come in at just under 2mil on the cap. Often times, teams like to trade much earlier for their "deadline acquisitions" so that they can get them acclimatized and comfortable in the new teams' system. Analytics won't tell you this, but that IS worth a 1st round pick to most NHL GMs.

Now like you said, whether Kenny is willing to do that deal or not, remains to be seen.

That is your opinion. Chiarot's underlying stats reveal some issues with his play, and that is not opinion. Habs fans and some pundits may feel a 1st round draft pick is a reasonable ask for Chiarot, but the market will determine what the true price is. Holland has seen this before. It was maybe 14 months ago that many fans and pundits suggested he unload Puljujarvi for next to nothing. He chose a different path, and we can all see he made the correct decision.

Montreal's season is in serious trouble, so Chiarot's name is on the lips of those who like to speculate. Other teams may also be looking to make roster moves. Ken Holland will likely asses the market before making a decision. He could pay more for a better player, or less for a similar player, or he could pay whatever the market price is for Chiarot. Time will tell.

I don't think uncle Ken will do it, he'll want better if he's giving up a 1st round pick; numbers don't lie.