June 20, 2023
This morning the Montreal Canadiens announced a one-year contract extension for Sean Monahan worth $1.985 million. This is a beautiful bit of business between GM Kent Hughes and Newport Sports Management. A quid pro quo, if you would.
By definition, every contract is a quid pro quo, I suppose. Something for something. In this instance, both parties walk away from negotiations with more than “something” – they walk away with a deal that is highly favourable to each.
The “something” the Habs get
Kent Hughes could simply let Monahan’s contract expire at the end of this month and come out on top. Monahan didn’t hurt the team last year, and there is a first round pick still coming Hughes’ way for having taken him. So why not quit while he’s ahead?
The Habs had hoped to move Monahan at last year’s trade deadline to add another asset, but injuries got in the way. This new contract allows the Habs another kick at that can. The contract is wildly digestible for the Habs – a low risk and potentially high reward investment when the trade deadline rolls around.
The Habs also get a veteran centre to support Suzuki and Dach. It was an off-season priority for Hughes last off-season, and much of the off-season passed before Monahan became that guy. It’s unfortunate that he only got to play 25 games in Montreal, but he was useful during those games. Six goals and 11 assists prorates over an entire season to 20 goals and 36 assists. Getting an entire season out of Monahan is the challenge, but there is no challenging his worth as a veteran centre when he’s on the ice.
So that’s the “something” the Habs get. They get an inexpensive veteran centre to support the kids until the trade deadline, and then they have the chance to get a nice asset by moving him to a contending team.
The “something” that Monahan gets
Sean Monahan could simply let his contract expire at the end of this month and go to market in free agency. top. The UFA market for centremen is not especially competitive, and it is highly likely that there would be interested teams. So why not bet on himself?
He might not have a long history in Montreal, but Monahan has confirmed he enjoyed his time there. The core also enjoyed having Monahan on the team, and the Coach will give him lots of prime playing time. Montreal is a comfortable setting for Monahan to prove himself while figuring out his longer term plan. It’s unlikely that other teams would offer him a long-term deal until he has demonstrated he can stay healthy, and a one-year stop in a new city might not be very enticing.
This deal also gives Monahan a chance to land with a contender for a playoff run. He will turn 29 before the season begins, and chances to contend are not limitless. Monahan could sign with a team he feels has a chance on July 1st, and see that chance go off the rails over the course of a year. Every year there is a team or two that was expected to be a playoff team that falls short. That risk will be smaller at the trade deadline. The teams that will make it are clearer by then.
So that’s the “something” that Monahan gets. He gets an opportunity to prove himself in a comfortable setting and a chance to go to a contender at the trade deadline and compete for a Stanley Cup.
Quid pro quo. It’s a concept that Kent Hughes understands, and in this deal he’s made it work for both Monahan and the Habs.
Hab At Her 
This signing just makes me feel good. If the Habs benefit further from this arrangement that will be great. Monahan is acting like a low maintenance, high character addition and that is great for a young team. In my perfect world Monahan will stay healthy and extend his career.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love to see him be a Masterton candidate eventually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All kinds of reasons this is a good move. You’ve hit the nail on the head once again, Lori! An inexpensive deal that adds leadership and character. When this guy is healthy he can be a top six player who plays responsibly and puts up points whether at centre or on the wing. He’s also a player who came to be remarkably well liked and respected by team mates and fans alike.
His acquisition might dilute any sense of urgency to add PLD this summer if there was any of that to begin with. Here’s hoping Sean Monahan can regain his form and restart his career next season and move on to a cup winner at the TDL. That would be a great story and the Habs could both play a part and benefit from it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly, I think adding Monahan has more repercussions for Dvorak than PLD.
LikeLike
True, good point. Maybe Dvorak is involved in a trade that nets the Habs a promising, young right D or helps them move up or add on draft day?
LikeLike
I suspect a pick that can be packaged is more likely, but who knows? So far Hughes has been able to surprise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m getting ahead of myself but if Habs are in a playoff hunt next March, Hughes should do what Yzerman did this year with the Wings and sell anyway. Monahan will fetch a nifty return should he play well and remains healthy. Same goes for Edmundson if he isn’t already gong before the season starts.
LikeLike
I hope Edmundson is gone this summer, perhaps even at the draft. And I am highly skeptical that the Habs will be in playoff position…
LikeLike
How nice to have just read another brilliant article of yours Lori! And also to read everyone’s comments above that truly add to the great read! Have been devouring all that I can find on this exciting Monahan news! The truly high brow content and commentary here is as good as it gets in my humble opinion. Cheers to Lori and all contributors! 🍻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Alex! Good to have you in the conversation.
LikeLike
I’m just glad they resigned him. I’m a huge fan of his toast videos! He’s a very good hockey player as well…
LikeLike
Thanks Lori, Great insight, As you stated, “there is no challenging his worth as a veteran centre when he’s on the ice.” and I would add his locker room, training, teaching and honest friendship to others. If he fully recovers I would have no problem with Hughes re-signing him to multiple years. What he brings is really hard to find. Yes, I understand the visual flip for another high draft pick, but sometimes ‘ amazing character ‘ trumps one draft pick. Cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person