I'm more annoyed they are allowed to do it but seemingly we weren't able to?
Habs couldn't send him on a conditioning stint because it was before the season started when they placed him on waivers.
Also, I believe guys on conditioning stint still count on the 23-man NHL roster, cap included.
Understanding Conditioning Stints
Conditioning Loan
The standard form of the loan lasts for 14 consecutive days. The player is sent to the AHL, plays in whatever games he’s assigned and then returns to the NHL at the end. His salary is paid as if he’s in the NHL, and the player counts against the salary cap and the 23-man roster limit. A team has to have the kind of cap situation that allows for enough players as extras to make this possible.
The Commissioner has the right to investigate the circumstances of any loan, so teams cannot use the loan to evade waivers or the salary cap.
Players must consent to conditioning loans as well.