Canadiens Monahan Talks Regret Over Injury, Future In Montreal

The season didn’t go according to plan for Montreal Canadiens forward Sean Monahan.

After being acquired by the Canadiens along with a 1st-round pick from the Calgary Flames, Monahan hit the ground running in Montreal.

He quickly became an invaluable presence on and off the ice for the Canadiens, potting six goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 25 games.

Unfortunately, he ran into some injury troubles by the month of December, admittedly playing on a broken foot during the Canadiens’ western road trip.

Monahan was able to play against his former club, the Calgary Flames, but injured his groin in the following game against the Vancouver Canucks.

I really wanted to play that game against Calgary,” said Monahan on his decision to play through injury. “Looking at it now I regret it, but you can’t change the past.”

Monahan expressed that his decision cost him his season.

After weeks of rehab attempts, it was finally decided that Monahan would have to undergo a procedure to repair his groin injury.

For the 28-year-old, it was a difficult process to go through, while staying on the sidelines.

“It was a long year for me to be honest. It was a grind,” said Monahan. “I was trying to get back as quick as I could. Now I’m on my road to recovery and feeling good.

Thankfully, it seems like the veteran forward is back on the ice and ready to get back to playing hockey.

“I’ve been back on the ice for two weeks now,” said Monahan regarding his health. “I’m confident that things will be good to go. I look forward to playing hockey again.

A Future In Montreal?

A healthy Sean Monahan will likely learn from this situation; as the rugged centre looks primed to continue his NHL career next season.

I know there will be offers out there, maybe not a contract like I just had, but I’m looking forward to playing hockey again.”

The question is whether or not an offer will come from general manager Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

Monahan was a very appreciated member of the Canadiens locker room and, if you asked players like Nick Suzuki or Cole Caufield, they’d love to have him back.

The feeling is mutual.

“I loved my time here. I made some lifelong friends during my time here,” said Monahan about his love for Montreal. “I think this team will be very competitive very soon. I loved playing games at the Bell Centre.

When asked whether he would favour Montreal over other clubs moving forward, Monahan was adamant that he would like to make something work.

“It’s a special place to play,” said Monahan regarding his desire to return. “You get chills walking on the Bell Centre ice. I’ll see if I can make something work.”

It remains to be seen whether the Montreal Canadiens decide to bring back the veteran forward on a low-cost deal.