HABSLATEST | NHL TEAM | MONTREAL CANADIENS

Sean Monahan's Return to Montreal Imminent? It Appears More Likely Than Ever

Although a trade seemed inevitable, Sean Monahan's departure is clearly felt by the Canadiens. Since the trade, Martin St-Louis's team has only managed two wins in nine games, highlighting Monahan's importance to the Montreal lineup. While the first line is performing well, the second unit, without the former number 91, is struggling significantly to score.

Monahan, with 35 points in 49 games for the CH, was a key reason for the offensive success of the second line, even while playing with less productive forwards. However, an interesting turn of events may occur in the coming months, as several observers have suggested the possibility of Monahan returning to the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge as a free agent this summer.

Could Sean Monahan make a return to the Canadiens? He greatly enjoyed his time in Montreal, and there are hints that a return could be feasible.

- Martin St-Louis was very fond of the veteran and had a hard time accepting the news of his trade. Kent Hughes mentioned that his call with MSL was brief and difficult, knowing how much the 29-year-old forward was appreciated by the coaching staff.

- Monahan was beloved in the team's locker room. Indeed, players had only good words for their former teammate after his departure. Recently, Juraj Slafkovsky was seen performing his pre-game ritual that he had with Mony, even though he is no longer on the roster.

- The forward enjoyed his stay in the city so much that he accepted a less lucrative deal from the Canadiens last summer than what was offered by other teams. Mathias Brunet of La Presse revealed on BPM Sports that Monahan had accepted a less lucrative offer from the Canadiens than what he had on the table from other teams last summer, according to Marco Normandin.

This gesture speaks volumes! Moreover, the Canadiens' general manager showed great class, being a true gentleman towards the Brampton-born forward. He gave Monahan a chance to revive his career and offered him a contract extension even though he was injured. Eventually, Kent Hughes traded him to one of the NHL's top teams, giving him a chance to win his first Stanley Cup.

It wouldn't be surprising if the forward wishes to play under Martin St-Louis in the future. The question remains whether his salary demands will fit Kent Hughes' plan.

Previously on habslatest

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Sportsnet Proposes Massive Trade Involving Jake Allen and Two Firsts

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25 FEVRIER \| 793 ANSWERS Sean Monahan's Return to Montreal Imminent? It Appears More Likely Than Ever Would you sign Monahan to a three-year deal worth $5M annually?
Yes	627	79.1 %
No	166	20.9 %
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