Dec 3, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Johnny Gaudreau’s family during ceremonial puck drop by Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) and Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/ad3d2d63-bcfb-47f1-ad60-e06021b3437b.jpeg] Dec 3, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Johnny Gaudreau’s family during ceremonial puck drop by Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) and Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images One of Kent Hughes’ best moves as the Montreal Canadiens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens]’ GM was to take Sean Monahan off the Calgary Flames [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames]’ hands. Not only did it turn out well because he proved he could still play, even though it came after a first season plagued with injuries, but because Hughes managed to get two first-round picks out of the player. The first was a thank you from the Flames for taking on his salary, and the second was when Monahan was traded to the Winnipeg Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets]. Five Canadiens’ Prospects In The Hockey News Future Watch Top 100 Prospects [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/five-canadiens-prospects-in-the-hockey-news-future-watch] Canadiens: Laine Had A Successful Year [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-laine-had-a-successful-year] Canadiens: The End For Patrik Laine? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-the-end-for-patrik-laine] Hughes used that last pick in a trade to move up and draft Michael Hage 21st overall at the 2024 draft, and the pick from the initial trade will finally be used at the upcoming draft. There are 99% chances that it will be the 16th overall pick, but should the Flames be lucky in Monday’s draft lottery and move into the top 10, the Habs would end up with the Florida Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers]’ first-round pick, which would be significantly lower. Monahan was great for the Canadiens both on the ice and in the room. After putting up 59 points in the season, which he split between Montreal and Winnipeg, he was ready for a big payday when he hit the free agency market. After earning under two million in the one-year deal he signed in Montreal in the Summer of 2023, he inked a five-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets worth $27.5 million. He didn’t pick Columbus at random, though; he elected to sign with the Ohio outfit to reunite with former Flames teammate Johnny Gaudreau. Both players were looking forward to recreating the magic they had in Calgary. Unfortunately, fate had other plans, and Johnny Gaudreau tragically died when an allegedly drunk driver ran him and his brother over while they were on a bike ride. The news of the Gaudreau brothers' passing shocked and saddened the hockey world, but it was even worse for their teammates in Columbus. In an instant, the heart and soul of the Blue Jackets were taken, and all that was left was the emptiness and sorrow the players felt when they thought about their fallen teammate and leader. A complete collapse would have been understandable, to say the least, but it didn’t happen. Monahan and his teammates rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Ultimately, the Canadiens only eliminated them from the playoffs on the very last day of the season. Still, what they accomplished in such dire circumstances was terrific, and it’s only fair that Monahan be nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy, the award given annually to the player who best exemplifies perseverance and dedication to hockey. After overcoming multiple injuries over the last few years, Monahan had to overcome the death of a very close friend. Marc-Andre Fleury from the Minnesota Wild and Gabriel Landeskog are the other nominees. Given Monahan's impact on the Canadiens’ rebuild, it’s easy to see who Habs fans hope will win the trophy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwo-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen], never to miss a story. Follow Karine on X @KarineHains [https://x.com/KarineHains] Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/karinehains.bsky.social] and Threads @karinehains [https://www.threads.net/@karinehains]. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/] for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.
