Montreal Canadiens: Three Players Who Are Far Better Than We All Thought

Sean Monahan

Sean Monahan was acquired from the Calgary Flames WITH a first round pick attached for absolutely nothing in return. Yes, the Flames gave up a future first round pick just to get rid of the last year of Monahan’s contract.

It is a hefty contract, worth $6.375 million and the Flames had plenty of reasons to want to get rid of that heavy hit. Monahan has missed a lot of time in the past couple seasons with significant injuries. He had hip surgery which ended the 2021-22 season for him early.

When he was on the ice last season, he didn’t provide a lot of offence. He scored eight goals and 23 points in 65 games last season after putting up ten goals and 28 points in 50 games the previous season. The Flames also needed to clear room to sign Nazem Kadri who was a big ticket free agent on the market.

So, they were motivated to move out Monahan, and the Habs were happy to take him, with that aforementioned first round pick.

But as it turns out, the player has a little more left in the tank than anyone realized. It seems like he has been around the NHL forever, but he is just 28 years old, and is getting close to fully healthy for the first time in years.

Monahan scored a big goal on opening night, is now on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, and has four points in his first six games. He could turn out to be a big piece as the trade deadline appraoched if he can continue to play the way he has so far.