Few trades in recent NHL memory have sparked as much conversation—and admiration—as the deal that brought Sean Monahan to the Montreal Canadiens. What initially seemed like a puzzling move, taking a chance on an oft-injured veteran, has since blossomed into one of the savviest transactions of Kent Hughes’ tenure as general manager.

With Monahan not only contributing on the ice but also serving as a mentor to the team’s young core, the benefits were immediate and tangible. However, the true brilliance of the trade has only become clearer with time, as the Canadiens have managed to turn what was once considered a salary dump into a windfall of valuable assets.

As the dust settles, it’s evident that this move has set the franchise up for long-term success, demonstrating the kind of bold, forward-thinking strategy that fans hope will define the new era in Montreal.

Canadiens and Flames logos

Photo credit: NHL

I remember exactly when the Canadiens acquired Sean Monahan. I was following the news from another outlet, and when I saw that, I thought: “Huh? Why are we picking up a guy who’s always injured?”

Today, it’s clear that Kent Hughes hit a home run. That trade has been a true success for several reasons.

First, Sean Monahan was a solid veteran for the Habs.

He played 74 games and recorded 52 points. That’s much more than most people expected from him.

He helped the young guys, led by example, and provided valuable service to the team.

A Return That Will Pay Off This Summer for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens

But the most interesting part is the return from the trade. To dump his contract, the Flames gave the Habs a first-round pick.

And that pick is looking very valuable.

Due to Calgary’s position in the overall standings, Montreal will have another 16th overall pick in the upcoming draft.

All of this, just because the Flames wanted to get rid of Monahan. It’s incredible when you think about it.

“I I admit that I thought trading a broken-down Monahan to Montreal in 2022 was a smart move by Calgary at the time, but it’s embarrassing now. And the Flames gave the Canadiens the 16th overall pick this year just to move Monahan.”

A Home Run for the Montreal Canadiens

The best part? Kent Hughes also managed to trade Sean Monahan.. And in return? Yet another first-round pick.

That pick was used to acquire Michael Hage, a highly promising prospect.

In summary: Kent Hughes took a player no one wanted, turned him into two first-round picks, and used one of them to land a quality prospect in Hage.

That’s the move of a GM who’s not afraid to take risks. For now, it’s paying off big time.