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

The TDL waiting will assume he'll still be playing to the level of the last month and a half. Hugues may take that chance or will he take a knee and grab what he can for him now without retention on the salary to use it for the full year?

I would personally move him as soon as possible. Some players have their ups and downs, had he been on fire since November or December they may have had calls for him at TDL giving more than expected. None of us know what's going on right now, but if an offer comes in, I would try to work it out.

Armia is paid 3.5M$ to be on a fourth.. That can be handled by other players who cost less, and if he doesn't show up again next year or dips before TDL then you lose him for nothing. May as well grab the dividends while they're hot..

Kovy.. He's worth something, but will be coming into a contract season and Habs have many young Defensemen waiting to move up. Trade for assets is not bad, and you give him the chance to play more elsewhere.

Harris move - Well... That's what you say, and while most of us Habs fans would think we can get a 1st round pick in the top 15, reality sets in and at best Harris is worth a 2nd round pick. With Struble playing the way he has, he surpassed him, so I would rather keep him than Harris at this point.

There is never too many picks. Come Draft day, you can select more players giving you an opportunity to find that one player chosen late that should've been a 1st rounder, or you can package a player you need to move with some picks to a team that can take on the player and contract and grab picks they are missing to ensure the future.