The Sean Monahan and Montreal Canadiens saga is reaching new heights. With the 29-year-old center set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer and his stellar performance this season, fans are buzzing about what general manager Kent Hughes might pull off next. It's almost certain Monahan and his $1.95 million rental salary will be shipped to a contender at the trade deadline. Yet it's what could happen after that, which could be Hab-tastic.
Elliotte Friedman, the ultimate insider, is dropping some golden nuggets on the situation. He's practically betting Monahan's getting traded by the deadline. Yet, he adds that Monahan could follow up with Montreal as a free agent.
So, if Hughes scores big with a sweet trade for Monahan—like nabbing a first-round pick—and then swoops in to re-sign him later, it'd be a win-win. The Habs could end up with two first-round picks and Monahan back in the lineup for eons.
In that scenario, everyone gets what they're hoping for. If Hughes pulls this off, it'd be one of the biggest coups in recent Canadiens memory.
In Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena, Monahan was on fire once again! His assist on Juraj Slafkovský's power-play goal was classic Monahan – a slick, veteran move to redirect a pass to Slafkovský on the flank, followed by a lucky bounce that found the back of the net.
Monahan's 14 points in 13 games in January, leads the Canadiens and holding his own in the NHL ranks, tying with Auston Matthews and Sidney Crosby since the calendar turned.
Sure, his overall season stats show 35 points in 49 games, but don't let that first number fool you. His 82-game pace puts him close to 60 points, which is impressive on a team that's not lighting up the scoreboard.
And Monahan's not just about offense. He's winning 55 percent of his faceoffs, putting up 16 points on the power play, and he's a beast on the penalty kill. In other words, he's the whole package—a valuable asset for any contending team.
