Major Change of Heart in Montreal: Sean Monahan's Future is Less Certain Than Ever

This year, the organization is likely to be a seller at the trade deadline, and there could be more activity than last year.

One issue is the team's three-goalie situation. Since Kent Hughes does not want to lose Cayden Primeau on waivers, a trade seems inevitable.

Moreover, the Canadiens have several impending free agents, including forwards Tanner Pearson and Sean Monahan. While Pearson is unlikely to stay with the club, the situation is more complicated for Monahan.

After about ten games into the season, many were advocating for Monahan's re-signing. He was averaging nearly a point per game and was the team's top goal scorer.

However, after another ten-game stretch, number 91 has only one assist and a -9 differential. Currently, he has six goals and 13 points in 23 games.

According to reputed insider Frank Seravalli, it's unlikely that the 29-year-old veteran will stay with the Canadiens.

He ranked Monahan as the 2nd most likely trade target in the NHL, just behind Elias Lindholm, who is sure to be traded soon as he doesn't want to extend his contract with the Flames.

Seravalli placed Monahan ahead of Nikita Zadorov, who had requested a trade from his team and was recently sent to Vancouver, and Noah Hanifin, who, like Lindholm, does not want to re-sign in Calgary.

This indicates Hughes might actively shop the center in the coming months.

Another point of interest for the Canadiens is that Seravalli ranked either Jake Allen or Cayden Primeau as the 6th biggest trade target.