Sean Monahan to return to the Canadiens: Major update

Everyone expects Kent Hughes to make a move and acquire a top-6 forward during the off-season to help Martin St-Louis' men fight for a playoff spot next year.

However, if the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens is unable to complete a trade, he will inevitably have to turn to the free agent market to add a leading attacker to his lineup.

Among the players who could interest the management are names like Sam Reinhart, Steven Stamkos, Jake Guentzel, and Elias Lindholm. However, it wouldn't be surprising if their salary demands were completely exorbitant, which could certainly dampen Kent Hughes' enthusiasm.

What if the sought-after solution is already in the Canadiens' lineup at the start of the season?

However, there is one player in particular who could represent a prime option for Kent Hughes, and that is former Tricolore forward Sean Monahan. Indeed, the Brampton, Ontario native has clearly demonstrated that he still has the skills necessary to play within the top two lines of an NHL team, having accumulated 26 goals and 33 assists (59 points) in 83 games.

Moreover, if some fans questioned his ability to stay healthy, number 91 managed to silence his critics by being the only player in the NHL to play 83 games this year. Now aged 29, his experience could be greatly beneficial for the young players in the organization, having notably developed an excellent relationship with Juraj Slafkovsky this season.

Furthermore, we know how much Sean Monahan appreciated his time in Montreal, having quickly integrated into the team's core. Upon his departure, the man himself mentioned that he was very grateful to Kent Hughes, since the GM had offered him an opportunity to revive his career at a time when few still believed in him.

Recently, Martin Lemay and Stéphane Gonzalez discussed the possibility of seeing Sean Monahan in a Canadiens uniform next season. While Gonzo is more or less in agreement with this possibility, Martin Lemay is convinced that it would be a good idea.


Personally, I share Martin Lemay's view. As much as I appreciate the youth movement made by the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge, having good veterans on the team is crucial if they hope to succeed in the playoffs. Besides Michael Matheson, Brendan Gallagher, and Josh Anderson, no player on the team will be over 30 years old in 2025-2026, which is why adding a player like Sean Monahan could be extremely useful.

I could see him playing on the second line next to Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook next season. He could then take the center position on the third line when Christian Dvorak's contract expires next summer. By then, Kent Hughes might have acquired a solid forward (from this year's draft or via a trade) who could take Mony's place alongside Dach and Newhook.

Would you do a four-year, $16 million contract for Sean Monahan this summer?