After impressing in the early part of the season, Sean Monahan will run it back with the Montreal Canadiens next year. The veteran center has signed a one-year, $1.985MM contract to return in 2023-24. Chris Johnston of North Star Bets adds that the deal has a $15,000 bonus if he plays a certain number of games, which could take it to $2MM total.
Acquired from the Calgary Flames, along with a conditional first-round pick for essentially nothing (future considerations don’t really mean anything), Monahan was a relatively low-risk gamble for the Canadiens. Montreal wasn’t expected to challenge for the playoffs, so even if Monahan’s injury history reared its ugly head and he was a financial anchor, it wouldn’t change things.
Things actually got off to an incredible start, with Monahan showing well coming back from hip surgery. He had 17 points in 25 games and appeared to be a trade chip for the Canadiens to dangle at the deadline.
Then, in early December, he suffered a foot injury that took him out of the lineup. While rehabbing, Monahan suffered a groin injury, which eventually shut him down for the rest of the year after surgery.
That long, varied medical history makes him such an enigma. There has always been talent in Monahan, with three 30-goal seasons under his belt. He reached a career-high of 82 points in 2018-19, but things would soon come crashing down to earth.
Since that season, he has just 116 points in 210 games. In Calgary, he quickly went from a top-line option to someone lucky to get 14 minutes a night in the bottom six. This could be a huge win for the Canadiens if he can rediscover his early-career success.
Still just 28, Monahan will try to use this contract as a springboard to show he’s still a capable NHL talent. Montreal, meanwhile, can use him as a trade chip again, or determine if he’s more of a long-term fit. Either way, the risk of a one-year deal under $2MM is minimal.
Thats super cheap. Well played by the habs
The guy is made of glass! But for $2M, why not!
What’s the over under on how many games Monahan will miss do to Injury? If the Habs are in a rebuild why would you waste a roster spot on a guy that is not part of Montreal’s future? Pinard, Ylonen, etc.
Those are wingers he is a center to start with lol, you look at teams like the sens a guy like monahan is exactly what they need to get outta the bottom i dont think the sens have made the playoffs in 6 years thats getting close to buffalo bad. Remember the habs got the flames 2025 1st round pick in that trade which is looking very good with everyone leaving calgary, and if monahan stays healthy a guy like him who can win face offs, score goals and play sound defensively will get a good return at the deadline
I love Sean Monahan but he has been injury prone for the last 3-4 years and I am glad Montreal re signed him as I didn’t want the Flames to bring him back
I bet you would take that trade back in a second lol, that 2025 1st pick the habs got for taking him is looking mighty good right now with players catching the first flight they can out of calgary!
For that kind of price, it’s a good deal.
At that price, a good pick-up. Provides veteran depth at center. Hopefully he’ll stay healthy and have a solid year.
If this guy isn’t hurt at the deadline he will likely be the top trade chip this year. A center that can win faceoffs and score goals. It’s a big if but it’s a smart move. If the Habs hold half the cap hit he counts for 990k to the cap. Every single team can fit that in and that is what would make him worth a 1st and a good prospect/ young roster player if he plays like last year. Even if not they still likely get a 2nd for him asking as he isn’t done for the year IMO