Jets make deal with Montreal for Monahan
The Winnipeg Jets have traded a first round pick in June's 2024 NHL Draft to the Montreal Canadiens for centreman Sean Monahan.
Oh, and if they win the Stanley Cup this season, the Jets will also owe Montreal a third round selection in 2027.
Set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Monahan will likely serve as a rental player for the second half of the Jets' season.
Currently sitting near the top of the standings, Friday's deal means Winnipeg is pushing for a strong postseason performance after firmly placing itself atop the league, despite some ongoing offensive injuries. With a slew of defensive depth, it was Winnipeg's forwards that ended up hurting themselves this season.
Between Gabe Vilardi and Kyle Connor's MCL sprains, upper-body injuries to Rasmus Kupari and David Gustafsson, and most recently a mysterious lower-body injury to Mark Scheifele, the Jets have been asking a little too much of Vladislav Namestnikov, Nino Niederreiter and Mason Appleton, who have done their best to fulfill roles slightly outside their comfort zones.
But with the addition of true top-six centreman Monahan, those concerns should sort themselves out.
Originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2013, Monahan's value decreased near the end of his time in Alberta. He has since played a season-and-a-half in Montreal, to which he has rediscovered his game.
Boasting 13 goals and 35 points in 49 games this year, the Brampton, ON. product will be a strong fit alongside a combination of Nikolaj Ehlers, Cole Perfetti and Gabe Vilardi, as head coach Rick Bowness now gets the option of another offensive threat on his hands alongside that of Connor and Scheifele.
Currently on its bye week, Winnipeg returns to action on February 6 is Pittsburgh against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.
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