MTL declines
We shipped Kassian out for a reason
His legal issues that have been delayed for years now would resume now that he's in Province again.
I highly doubt he wants that as he got a pass for a few years thanks to his lawyers then the Pandemic hit
Its not really all that big of a deal in theory but its still re-opening the He said She said legal issues around a Drunk Driving incident where drugs were suspected.

Its in Kassians best interest to just got to TBL
Do a 3 way trade with MTL retain 50% on Kassian for the next 3 years in exchange for Foote,conditional 2nd round pick that becomes a 1st if TBL makes a ECF
MTL gets what it needs Kassians deal will be up by the time Foote needs paid and that 1.6m can go towards that.

MTL gets the picks we need but most important a RD projected for 2nd line with size to grow between Petry and Savard.
That right now is something we desperately lack with no RD prospects under 25 worth noting.
Foote is the top pair D some was hoping but he has potential to be the #4 D who could help Anchor Romanov allowing him to open up offensively

Kassians history in Montreal completely slipped my mind.