The Capitals were among the potential landing spots Dreger listed for the 29-year-old pivot.
The Washington Capitals are still very much in the playoff picture as they begin the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, and if they remain in the mix, they could use the trade deadline to bring in some help up front — and that could lay with Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan.
Per Darren Dreger on Insider Trading, the Capitals could be among several suitors for the 29-year-old pivot if they remain in good standing at the trade deadline on March 8.
"There are teams that are looking for centermen. Depth in that position, or a top two, top three centerman. No different this year," Dreger said. "I'm looking at Colorado, I'm looking at Boston. Perhaps the Edmonton Oilers. Maybe the Washington Capitals if they stay in the mix."
Monahan is among the centers that could be a popular target at the deadline as a rental option for teams making a push, as he is set to become a UFA in July and has a cap hit of just $1.985 million.
Through 43 games this season, the Ontario native has 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points, putting him on pace for 48 points.
Washington has been in the hunt for a top-6 forward, and Monahan would provide a new look as the team looks for consistency on all four lines. The Capitals have found some key combinations that work, including a new-look identity fourth line and the "McProMo" trio, but there are still questions that need answers with regard to Evgeny Kuznetsov's line.
Plus, with Kuznetsov getting more time on the wing of late — and proving to be effective in that position — D.C. may need another option at center.
Still, the trade deadline is still a ways away, and Washington's approach could change if the team can't string together wins and remain in the picture in that case, the Capitals would sell.
Washington does have a history of trading with Montreal, most recently acquiring Joel Edmundson at the start of free agency.