Habs Halifax
Loyal Habs Fan
As others have mentioned, maybe Price asked to be left unprotected for the possibility of heading back home. He probably figures that both options are good for him and his family.
A) He stays in Montreal when he's lived the past 14-15 years
B) He heads back home to be closer to his and his wife's family.
Win/Win for him.
Got to consider the Habs side of things if you believe the narrative you presented. Habs could trade him with retention later this off season and get value back.
Why would you let him go for free? Bad for business