Major Trade Brewing Between the Canadiens and Jets?
Photo credit: Illegal Curve
In exactly two months, Kent Hughes will face several crucial decisions that will have a major impact on the trajectory of the team's rebuild in the coming years. Indeed, the Montreal management will have to decide whether to keep or trade numerous veterans, such as Sean Monahan, David Savard, Tanner Pearson, and Jake Allen.
While the departures of Tanner Pearson and Jake Allen seem inevitable, as they are no longer part of the organization's long-term plans, the cases of Sean Monahan and David Savard are more complex due to their crucial importance in Martin St-Louis's lineup. Without these two veterans, the Canadiens would surely not be in the same position they are in at the moment.
However, the Montreal Canadiens still find themselves in a delicate position, which could complicate Kent Hughes's situation. Despite good recent performances, the CH is still five points away from a playoff spot, but also four points away from a potential top-5 in the next draft. The general manager will therefore have to decide whether he wants to sell some assets or try to help his team qualify for the spring tournament.
As for the 29-year-old center, Sean Monahan, several teams will certainly be interested in acquiring his services. Able to play on the power play and also in the penalty kill, number 91 would be a very important asset for a team looking to add a second or third center to their lineup.
It remains to be seen whether the Canadiens will want to keep him, especially since the general manager mentioned that he would not be against the idea of offering him a contract extension. However, an attractive offer could potentially change his mind. In fact, according to Bill Scott, a trade is in the works between the Canadiens and the Jets, involving Sean Monahan and a promising prospect, Kristian Vesalainen.
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« Sources close to both organizations suggest that a major trade is being prepared, which could see the Jets part with Kristian Vesalainen and a second-round pick in 2024, in return for Sean Monahan to Winnipeg. » - Bill Scott
This trade could be beneficial for the CH in the long term. Selected 24th overall in 2017, Kristian Vesalainen has never really had the opportunity to establish himself in the Bettman circuit, but there is no doubt that he has the attributes necessary to develop into an excellent left winger. The Finn, standing 6'3" and weighing over 200 pounds, excels in the Liiga at the moment with 26 goals and 39 assists (65 points) in his last 75 games with HIFK Helsinki.
Sean Monahan for Kristian Vesalainen and a second-round pick, do you do it?
| POLL |
8 JANVIER | 532 ANSWERS Major Trade Brewing Between the Canadiens and Jets? Would you trade Monahan for Vesalainen & a 2nd? |
| Yes | 278 | 52.3 % |
| No | 254 | 47.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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