Montreal Canadiens: Sean Monahan could net another first-rounder

The Montreal Canadiens have been able to make use of their draft capital and have continued to add and stockpile more. In a year when this is being deemed a rebuild, some areas have gone better than expected.

For the Montreal Canadiens and General Manager (GM) Kent Hughes, there is plenty of work left to be done. This season, more trades will be left to be made, and the expectation is that Hughes aims to beef up the Habs’ first-round selections again.

Over the next three seasons, the Habs possess five first-round selections. They have two next first-round selections in next summer’s draft, as well as another pair of first-rounders in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

After taking on Sean Monahan‘s contract and getting a first-round pick in 2025 as the sweetener from the Calgary Flames, the Habs could be looking to move forward once again if the right suitor comes into play.

Montreal Canadiens forward Sean Monahan could net another first-rounder.

Monahan has been one of the Habs’ better offensive producers and will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason after the last year of his contract finishes up. He’s got a $6.375 cap hit for the 2022-23 season and is off the books after the fact.

But without any contract beyond this season, the Habs have to make the best move for the team moving forward. That might allow them to shop Monahan and attempt to bring in another first-round pick.

While the Habs are impressing with their performance in 2022-23, it still warrants being a seller for the right price. It may be a tall ask for a 2023 first-round pick, but Hughes will surely try. The 28-year-old forward came into the 2022-23 season with a chance for a resurgence.

To this point, Monahan has done that. Through 21 games with the Habs, Monahan has scored five goals and added nine assists for a total of 14 points. He’s on pace to get ahead of his last few years’ performances and might just be a valuable asset to a rebuilding team.

A team out there looking to add another piece of offense might be willing to part ways with a first-round pick to bring in the veteran forward. The more he finds ways to produce for the Habs, the better his trade stock continues to get.

For a team that wants to add a first-rounder, Monahan indeed seems like a good bet to do so.