The Montreal Canadiens have traded forward Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets for the Jets' 2024 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 third-round pick, the teams announced Friday. .
The 29-year-old was selected sixth overall in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames. He spent his first nine seasons with the Flames, scoring 514 points (231 goals, 283 assists) in 730 NHL games.
Monaghan played in 74 games over two seasons in a Canadiens uniform, scoring 19 goals and 33 assists for 52 points.
Is this a bargain for Montreal, Monaghan?
The Canadiens only acquired Monaghan's contract from the Flames in the summer of 2022, and will likely receive a first-round pick from either the Flames or the Florida Panthers in 2025. Now, less than two years later, they have another first-round pick. -They traded him away for a 2024 round pick.
No matter how you look at it, that's a good thing for Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes. This deal is a great deal for Montreal, considering that the Canadians did not retain Monaghan's salary, leaving them with the last of three holding slots to make another trade before the March 8 deadline. It will be even more advantageous.
Monaghan's price might have gone up if he was able to maintain his salary, but keeping that slot could allow him to acquire other assets in the future by preserving his salary in another deal, and those 's assets could very well be worth more than keeping half of Monaghan's salary. I was taken to Montreal.
Additionally, making this trade now eliminates the fear that Monahan could get injured in the coming weeks, and Monahan's trade could be capped at a first-round pick anyway. Since the cost is high, it might be better to do it now. And don't take that risk. Memories are fresh for Hughes during last year's deadline period, when Monahan was recovering from a groin tear and teams were calling to confirm his availability. Avoiding scenarios.
It also means Monaghan has spent his time in Montreal revitalizing his career, now playing as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference and getting a chance to further increase his value ahead of unrestricted free agency. It's also good business. — Arpon Bass, NHL Senior Writer
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