both players are at their lowest value and are reclamation projects. If there are not physical or mental health issues or substance dependencies, the trade makes sense:
LAK gets a player at a lower cap, with less term that under the right circumstances may help them in the playoffs since he has performed well there in the past when he was clicking
MTL gets a center with size and who is not prone to injury locked up for a long time and with good potential under the right coaching, It is a high risk/reward bet. With salary retention, he becomes an excellent option at 3C, on the power play, and as a good option for 1C/2C if there are injuries. This is one player the Habs can sign because of Price's LTIR