Sean Monahan sent a clear message to Kent Hughes

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Elias Adaime
April 26, 2023 (6:50 PM)

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Acquired last summer along with a first round pick, Sean Monahan couldn't have the expected season due to injuries that forced him to miss 57 games.

Although the general manager never confirmed his intentions, the goal was most likely to showcase the forward in order to try to bring back another first round pick at the trade deadline.

However, an injury suffered last December against the Vancouver Canucks ended the forward's season.

Sean Monahan had a great start to the season with 6 goals and 11 assists in 25 games, as he was a key player on Martin St. Louis' top two lines.

Without a contract for next season, the 28-year-old forward reiterated his interest in returning with the Canadiens' next year :

"I loved my time in Montreal and I've already made friends for life. This is a team that will be competitive very soon and it would be really special to come back with the Canadiens. I haven't played enough games at the Bell Centre and it would be really special to come back."

Sean Monahan will have no choice but to take a significant salary reduction, as he has played only 90 games in the past two seasons. However, the main interested party has indicated that he is working very hard to return to full health and be 100% ready when the next training camp begins.

Kent Hughes could take advantage of the fact that Sean Monahan will want to prove to everyone that he is indeed recovered from his injury and that he can still be a top forward in the NHL by offering him a short term contract with a salary of around $3 million.

He could certainly be an important asset for the Habs in 2023-2024, as he could give a serious boost to the Canadiens' top six.

Sources : Montreal Gazette