Calgary Flames Trade Sean Monahan to Montreal

The Calgary Flames had a busy day. First, the team signed one of the top remaining free agents on the board in centre Nazem Kadri. Second, the Flames traded Sean Monahan and a conditional 2025 first-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens in order to fit Kadri’s contract under the salary cap. In return, the Flames are receiving future considerations.

Sean Monahan is going to MON to make room for Kadri

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Canadiens Acquire Sean Monahan

It was only a matter of time before Sean Monahan was on his way out of Calgary. The Flames have been looking to move his contract for a couple of seasons now. Back in 2016, Monahan signed a seven-year, $44.6 million contract with an AAV of $6.375 million. Considering his 2021 and 2022 seasons, Monahan was going to be a cap casualty. Especially since he was playing on the fourth line at times last season. Though Monahan struggled with injuries, he was not the player he once was.

Originally selected in the first round (sixth overall) by the Flames in the 2013 NHL Drat, Monahan has played 656 games with the Flames recording 462 points (212 goals and 250 assists). His best season came in 2018-19 when he racked up 82 points (34 goals and 48 assists) in 78 games. This was the only season he eclipsed being a point-per-game player. The 2021-22 season, was one of his worst recording 23 points including eight goals playing on the fourth line. Towards the end of the season, the Flames announced Monahan would have season-ending hip surgery.

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Montreal Adds Center Depth

For the Canadiens in order to take on the Monahan contract, they needed a sweetener and it came in a first-round pick. The Canadiens continue to add depth to the center position. First, they acquired Kirby Dach at the 2022 NHL Draft from Chicago. Now they add Monahan, which gives the team, Nick Suzuki, Dack, Christian Dvorak and Monahan down the middle. And with Monahan being a free agent at the end of this season, his cap hit comes off the books, so there is not much risk here.

General manager Kent Hughes might not be done either. It will be interesting to see what other moves he makes with the Canadiens now close to the salary cap.