Canadiens: January Trade Deadline Power Rankings

1. Sean Monahan

Many assumed that Sean Monahan would have been traded last season at the deadline, but an injury that saw him only play in 25 games changed that. He seems to be healthier this year, knock on wood, and looks primed to be moved this time around. I would be shocked if a healthy Monahan is wearing a Canadiens jersey past March 8th.  

Monahan signed a one-year extension with the Canadiens in the off-season for $1.985 million, a very trade-friendly contract. It seemed like a bit of a discount at the time, and now we see why. It appears as though the Canadiens and Monahan had and still have an agreement that will see him get traded to a contender at the deadline.

I would assume there will be interest in Monahan’s services as he’s still a dependable middle-six centre. Health is the biggest concern with him, as he’s missed a ton of time over the course of his career due to various injuries. But the market should be there for Monahan, and the Canadiens will take full advantage of that. The reported asking price? A first-round pick or a second-round pick and a prospect. That would be a solid return for the Canadiens on top of acquiring a first-round pick for taking Monahan off the Calgary Flames hands in the 2022 off-season.

Monahan retains the top spot in the rankings, a place he would’ve been in had I done this list last year as well. The intention was always to move Monahan, and that will remain true heading into this year’s deadline as well.