25-Million Dollar Extension for Sean Monahan? This Shocking Possibility Has Emerged
Photo credit: NHL Trade Rumours
Unless there is a major surprise or turnaround in the Sean Monahan case at the Montreal Canadiens, the 29-year-old veteran is expected to change addresses in the coming weeks.
However, while his future should involve a trade, debates about a possible contract extension are currently very popular.
There was a recent discussion on TVA Sports, between Jean-Charles Lajoie and Tony Marinaro. Like many fans who have their opinions on the best outcome for the Canadiens with Monahan, the two hosts did not share the same viewpoint, leading to a heated exchange between them.
On one side, Lajoie wishes that General Manager Kent Hughes signs him to a five-year, $25 million contract as soon as possible.
«We need to sign him now before it gets too expensive!» - Jean-Charles Lajoie
On the other hand, Marinaro would like the GM to trade him before it's too late.
«We need to trade him now before he gets injured!» - Tony Marinaro
JiC reaffirms his point of view by mentioning that with an annual salary of $5 million per season, he should stay in Montreal.
«Five years, $25 million, you keep him here,» Lajoie added. «He's the one who will mentor, who will show the way, who will be one of your great leaders. He can play anywhere.» - Jean-Charles Lajoie
His colleague countered again, mentioning that such an investment in the center player would be too risky for the Canadiens.
«Five years for a player who has been injured more often than not, I don't know.» - Tony Marinaro
Which side do you lean towards between the opinions of the two men?
For my part, I completely agree with Marinaro's comments.
Monahan offers good services this season, but he is not getting any younger, and his history of injuries is a still-present concern. He's not a speed merchant, meaning that as the years go by, he will slow down quite noticeably.
Already with Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson totaling $12 million between them to play on the last two lines, adding a Monahan at $5 million more would be totally unrealistic.
At present, the Canadiens' biggest challenge is to maximize every dollar invested in the salary cap now, in order to have the best possible management when the team is ready to aim for the highest honors and spend to acquire the missing pieces for its lineup.
Signing Monahan to such a contract goes completely against this philosophy.
There is practically no happy outcome possible with such a long-term investment in the CH's number 91. Although I like what he can bring to the young core of the club, the risk of such a significant contract for a player so compromised by health issues, especially at this stage of the rebuild, would be totally incomprehensible.
The option to trade him at a high price is the most interesting outcome for the Canadiens.
| POLL |
28 JANVIER | 708 ANSWERS 25-Million Dollar Extension for Sean Monahan? This Shocking Possibility Has Emerged What would you do with Monahan? |
| Extend at 5x5 | 314 | 44.4 % |
| Trade for a haul | 394 | 55.6 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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