Canadiens might have had a better chance of it not being matched if they offered 8.5m and the compensation was for 2 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Carolina have no choice not to match for just a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick is so poor value return for a player of Aho status, and how by not matching it, would make the franchise look to fans and also to top young talented players at Carolina next due RFA deals or at end of their RFA contract.
Plus looks like Carolina to Canadiens trades will not be happening for the forseeable future, as Waddell will have Bergevin numbers and Montreal Phone codes on auto block.