Montreal Canadiens: Three Players Most Likely To Be Traded After Sean Monahan Deal

The Montreal Canadiens traded Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets yesterday. It was a trade we all saw coming, but we didn't know when, or what the return would be.

As it turns out, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes pulled the trigger early and did not wait until the final few minutes before making a trade. The Vancouver Canucks put some pressure on other buyers when they landed Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night, and it set the wheels in motion for Monahan to move.

Hughes also got that first round pick in return that many people thought was not possible. He must have found the offers underwhelming before teams pivoted after the Lindholm trade and upped their offers. It seems Hughes was just waiting for someone to offer a first round pick, and when the Jets did, as well as a conditional third round pick if they win the Stanley Cup, the Canadiens general manager signed off on it.

This makes sense, especially with Monahan's lengthy injury history. He was on his way to being dealt for a good return last season but suffered an injury and missed the final 57 games of the season. He was also acquired along with a first round pick two summers ago because Monahan had dealt with so many significant injuries. Risking losing him to injury by playing him until the trade deadline made little sense.

Now that the most obvious trade candidate is off the board for the Canadiens, attention will turn to what is next. They are clearly sellers, and will look to add more draft picks and prospects in the coming weeks ahead of the trade deadline on March 8.

Who is most likely to be traded by the Canadiens next? Let's take a look at the top three candidates.