petry's worth his defenitly less than chiarot right now because of his contract indeed. if he was also a ufa he would fetch more than him thoug

After this year I can't see Montreal getting so much in return for Petry, to me a fine return while having nothing to retain would be (I'll take Dallas for this example): B+ prospect close to the NHL (Dellandrea), a roster player with a smaller cap than Petry coming back (Radek Faksa) and a mid pick depending on other assets (In this example I'd want a 2nd). Picks are nice but we need bodies to put in jerseys so a roster player is needed and I don't think Habs can escape retention without taking a contract back.

His trade value isn't that much if Montreal doesn't retain. Teams with cap would prefer to sign a UFA and not give up a pick. Or other cap strapped teams will sacrifice a high priced player without getting nearly the return you ask.
Good teams generally don't have cap and can't/wouldn't take on Petry without sending similar cap back to Montreal.
IMO, your expectations. for a return is not practical.

If they retain they could probably fetch a kings ransom

yeah but that never happens really

They likely won’t be competent for the duration of Perry’s countract so why not retain 1.5 million to get a better return

i would be surprised if they trade him to be honest, our rd is so weak. But apparently hughes stated he would not retain, GM are often stubborn with their cap.

Let him play out the year. Trade him off-season. I think there will be a market for him but it won’t be as much as chiarot even if he’s the better player. His contract is big but I still don’t think habs will have to retain. 2nd + prospect

Comparing Petrys (19M) to Chiarot's(<1M) return is a flawed logic.

Ellis and Ristolainen trades are unperfect comparables, those players being way younger.

A 2nd/B prospect + a 3rd pairing RHD (for caphit) is the most likely scenario.

He's not a capdump yet, but his value is very low because MTL doesn't have negociations leverage.

Habs fans over value there players - add sarcasm here! The market is the market.
Most people on this site said that Chiarot would never ever ever fetch a 1st. Well guess what....1st, 4th and a prospect with salary retention.
The same could be said for Petry and he's better offensively so why not a 1st plus? If you are a team that thinks you are a contender for the next few seasons then Petry is a guy you would want on your team for sure.
That goes for Gally and Druoin! Hoffman, Armia, Kulak and Alen don't get a 1st but maybe a 2nd or a decent prospect.

Why even trade Lehky?!