It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours for your weekend. We’ve got plenty of rumours to go around with the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. A total of 16 teams are vying for Lord Stanley’s Cup. However, the other 16 clubs are already thinking about what their lineups may look like next season. The Montreal Canadiens suffered through a rash of injuries. However, one of those injured players wants to come back next season. This edition of NHL rumours talks about a Sean Monahan return for next season.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Sean Monahan Hoping For Return
Rumour: Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette talked to the 28-year-old about wanting to come back to the club for 2023-24. The Brampton, Ontario native becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His deal that he signed with the Calgary Flames carried a cap hit of $6.375 million per season. However, it’s unlikely that he’ll command that type of money.
My column on Sean Monahan, whose decision to keep playing for Canadiens on a broken foot this season ended up being very costly for him and the #Habs #HabsIO: https://t.co/dInPuVkO4H
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) April 18, 2023
Monahan did get six goals and 11 assists in 25 games before injuries cut his season short. The former Lady Byng finalist in 2018-19 does carry some health concerns and the Habs may be hesitant to bring him back for more than one year. Monahan could move on if he club gives him a multi-year deal.
Could a Sean Monahan Return Happen?
He did say playing at the Bell Centre was very special and wants to make something work. The Canadiens brass were hoping Monahan would be healthy before the March 3 trade deadline, but he wasn’t ready.
General manager Kent Hughes could bring back Monahan on a one-year prove it deal of Monahan really wants to stay in Montreal. The veteran centre did show signs of his life in his game during his short time with the club. If he does stay, Monahan could be flipped for an asset at the deadline if the Habs aren’t contending.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
