Update: Well-known NHL insider says the Habs will soon trade for a first-round pick.
We are beginning to understand the true nature of the Montreal Canadiens this season as they enter their All-Star break. It’s been challenging to figure out this team because we kind of anticipated them to blow up at any time, but instead, they frequently play well against big opponents and hold in against weaker ones.
As a result, they have been in the middle of the pack the whole season, never going on an exceptionally long winning or losing streak. Not only are they not at the bottom of the NHL standings, but they are also well out of the playoff picture.
This implies that they will be sellers for the third season in a row. The question of whether Sean Monahan will receive a first-round draft pick in return has been the subject of a lot of discussion recently on the internet. The Canadiens are extremely likely to move Monahan in a trade before the March 8 trade deadline, according to a well-known NHL insider who has stated for the second time in as many days that some teams are willing to part with a first round selection in exchange for the player.
According to recent reports from Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Canadiens are anticipated to trade Monahan and acquire a first-round selection in exchange.
Pierre LeBrun essentially reiterated the reports last night on TSN’s Insider Trading segment, stating that the Canadiens will probably deal Monahan. In addition, he spoke with a number of teams to gauge their expectations for Monahan’s return and learned that moving the seasoned center would be simpler given the $1.85 million price impact. LeBrun continued by saying that the Habs will receive a first round selection back for Monahan, particularly if they keep Monahan’s salary.
It definitely shouldn’t come as a surprise. Monahan is a well-respected veteran with a flawless work ethic. He plays center but can also play the wing when necessary, is defensively sound, and has 13 goals and 35 points in 49 games this season.
Do you really believe that no team will give a first round selection for Monahan when Nick Foligno had 16 points in 42 games prior to the Toronto Maple Leafs giving up a first round pick for him a few years ago? With the way he is performing, Monahan shouldn’t be acquired with a first-round pick at this time.