The Montreal Canadiens have had their good games and not so good contests this season, but they have avoided any lengthy losing streaks. They haven't been able to string together a decent winning streak either, but we didn't expect many of those this season.
For much of the year, they have hovered around the 0.500 points percentage area keeping them on pace for about 82 points this season. That wouldn't be a bad year considering top six forwards Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook have missed much of the season, the team is relying on big contributions from a handful of young defensemen and it appears Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau could be a solid duo in goal for the foreseeable future.
There are many positives to take out of this season, but it is still not likely to add up to a playoff appearance. As such, the Canadiens are expected to be sellers ahead of the trade deadline which is just under two months away.
According to one key NHL insider, the Canadiens could be moving a veteran sooner than later.
Darren Dreger of TSN reported on the channel's Insider Trading segment that when the Canadiens re-signed Sean Monahan in the summer there was an understanding that he would be traded to a contender, or a team of his choice, when the appropriate time arrived. Dreger also stated he would not be surprised if Monahan was among the first forwards traded this season.
He also mentioned teams are also always looking for centers this time of year and mentioned the Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins and possibly even the Washington Capitals as potential fits for Monahan.
The wild trade season likely won't get going until late February, but there are always a couple of teams that get the jump on the market and makes moves earlier in the season. Dreger seems to think Monahan is one of those players that could be moved well ahead of the trade deadline.
The Canadiens already received a first round pick from the Calgary Flames for taking on the contract of Monahan. Could they grab another first rounder for Monahan from the Avalanche or Bruins? We will have to wait and see, but we might not have to wait much longer.