Montreal Canadiens To Benefit From Uncertainty In Chicago

The Montreal Canadiens are still deciding what to do with Sean Monahan, but news out of Chicago could make the prospect of moving him even more appealing.

In an article from Scott Powers of The Athletic, there is a growing amount of traction that some of the biggest fish on the rental market leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline might not be available after all.

“The Blackhawks are open to trading Kane and Toews, but it doesn’t sound like their front office is convinced Kane and Toews will actually ask to be traded. It’s one thing to put a lot of thought into being moved, it’s another to ask to execute it,” wrote Powers on the situation. “Time will tell, but the Blackhawks are prepared for Kane and Toews to ride out this season in Chicago. The Blackhawks aren’t going to pressure them into leaving.”

With both players having full No-Movement-Clauses, not only does that limit the options Chicago has to drum up a bidding war, but it may inhibit them from moving their two franchise players altogether.

That being said, if they were going to be moved, it looks like Patrick Kane would be the likeliest to move, as he has maintained an elite pace all throughout the Blackhawks’ tumble down the standings. As for Toews, things seem to be a lot more complicated according to Powers.

“There is a belief within the organization that Kane is more likely to leave than Toews,” wrote Powers. “Kane will be Kane wherever he goes. Toews’ identity within the Blackhawks goes beyond just what he does on the ice. He takes his team captain role seriously, which changes if he goes somewhere else.”

If Toews were to be taken off the NHL trade market or picked his destination like Martin St-Louis or Claude Giroux have done in the past, it could have a profound impact on the rental market leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline.

With rumblings that the Canucks are looking to retain centre Bo Horvat thanks to their newfound success, the market for top-6 centre rentals looks to be slowly drying up.

And that’s good news for the Montreal Canadiens.

How Does This Impact Monahan?

Interest in Montreal Canadiens forward Sean Monahan seems to be heating up as teams start to peruse the trade market for possible reinforcements, and a lack of availability in players like Toews will do nothing but continue to drive up his value.

Earlier this month, NHL Insider Frank Seravalli mentioned the veteran forward in his most recent trade target article, adding him to a list of 20 NHL players that should attract significant interest as we approach the March 3rd trade deadline.

Monahan was one of five centres listed, alongside Bo Horvat (VAN), Jonathan Toews (CHI), Max Domi (CHI), and Jack Roslovic (CBJ); but things have seemingly changed since then both for Chicago and Vancouver.

Pierre LeBrun already suggested the Colorado Avalanche may be among teams looking to improve their forward depth with a quality second-line centre, and this was before they lost five of their top-six forwards to injury.

If General Manager Kent Hughes plays it safe with his health and continues to wait out the market, he’ll significantly increase his chances of extracting an attractive return for Monahan, one that is simply too good to pass up,

https://montreal.nationalhockeynow.com/2022/12/06/montreal-canadiens-sean-monahans-true-nhl-trade-value/