Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 28, 2024
Sean Monahan is linked to the Rangers, Chris Tanev could become a Senators trade target, and the Sabres’ Erik Johnson could become a trade candidate. Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
COULD THE RANGERS PURSUE MONAHAN?
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported speculation over whether the New York Rangers might pitch for Sean Monahan.
The Montreal Canadiens center has garnered lots of respect around the league after overcoming injuries that threatened to derail his career two years ago. Monahan, 29, has 35 points in 49 games this season.
Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan (NHL Images).
Friedman believes the Canadiens’ asking price could be a first-rounder for Monahan. He noted that the Rangers were in the market for a center and could use a second one after Filip Chytil suffered a setback last week in his recovery from a concussion.
It could prove not very easy for the two clubs to swing a deal. Friedman believes there is little love lost between their front offices. Canadiens executive vice-president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton is the Rangers’ former general manager.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t think Gorton would have an issue if the Rangers offered up a first-round pick or a top prospect for Monahan. A bigger concern could be whether the Blueshirts could win a bidding war for the Canadiens center. The Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks could have an interest in him.
SENATORS EYEING CHRIS TANEV
SPORTSNET: Friedman reported that Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev could be on the Ottawa Senators’ radar as they look to add complete players and “pros” to their lineup.
Friedman thinks Tanev would make a lot of sense for the Senators. However, they might not be among his preferred destinations given their place in the standings. The 34-year-old blueliner could prefer going to a contender.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This only makes sense for the Senators if Tanev is willing to sign a contract extension with them. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, which is why he’s come up so often in trade rumors this season. If he’s not interested, they’ll be wasting assets on someone who could bolt this summer to greener pastures. It might be best to wait and see if he will test the free-agent market this summer and inquire about him then.
WILL THE SABRES SHOP ERIK JOHNSON?
BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser cited Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast episode in which Friedman said he’s starting to hear Erik Johnson’s name a little bit in the rumor mill. The 35-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Sabres last summer.
Friedman said he was told that Johnson could be a name to watch as there’s going to be interest in him. He thinks the veteran blueliner would prefer going to a contender if the Sabres attempt to move him. Moser speculated they might get a third-round pick for him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnson lacks a no-trade clause but the Sabres could try to do right by him by prioritizing contenders. He’s on injured reserve but is expected to return to action following the upcoming All-Star break.
I’d rather sign Monahan than trade him, he has more value to the Habs than to a contending team.
He’s a pro’s pro making all the kids around him better and this mentorship will pay huge dividends in the future.
He’ll be a 3rd line centre elsewhere so there’s no 1st round pick and a prospect coming back for him.
Habfan, I started typing my post before yours was posted. Needless to say, I agree with you. Even if they do get a first, it’ll be a late rounder. Better off keeping him.
From Nys perspective, I think you’re grossly underestimating what his value and return may be.
Monahan cures a lot of NYs issues instantly. Regardless of him being a 3rd line center, he’ll fetch a nice return. Look at what Tampa has paid for guys like Hagel, Coleman and Goodrow who at the time of the trades were not top 6 guys. (Coleman and Goodrow were 3rd line pluggers their entire time in Tampa)
The Hagel trade was heavily criticized, but from Tampas perspective may have been one of their best moves in years!
Ny has some good prospects, and I doubt would be hesitant to give up picks along with a prospect to land his services for a few months.
Hell, I wouldn’t be shocked if Monahan returned 2-1sts + from Drury.
Keep dreaming. 2 firsts+… lol.
Dreaming? Lol. I’m sure someone said that about the trades I listed above.
I’m speaking from a Ranger fan perspective, why would that be “dreaming “?
Doesn’t really make a lot of sense, but please by all means carry on please.
Why from a Ranger fan perspective would that be “dreaming”?
Really didn’t make sense.
No, what doesn’t make sense is 2 first rounders+ give me a break. That’s not “obvious” that’s ridiculous.
“I’m speaking from a Ranger fan perspective, why would that be “dreaming “?”
Because there’s no way they’re giving up multiple first rounders for Sean effing Monahan.
Respectively disagree HF30, I believe KH and Monahan had an agreement this year (and possibly last year also) that KH was going to trade him to a contender. Last year was a wash because of injuries but I think KH said to sign a team friendly contract this year, play up to expectations and boost his value and then be traded to a contender for the Cup this year. He’s 29 and has a last chance for the big contract so it’s a win/win situation, imho.
I still say that the Habs are best off trying to sign Monahan to a reasonable extension. Trading him would leave a hole down the middle. Outside of Suzuki, he’s their only reliable and proven center. Dach has played well when in the lineup but has unfortunately missed a lot of time to injury in both his years with the Habs. Dvorak has been both injury prone and ineffective. Evans is strictly a fourth liner.
I realize that by the time the Habs will be seriously ready to contend, Monahan will likely be on the downside. However, veterans are needed to support the rebuild. Heading into next season with only Suzuki as a reliable center would stunt both his and the teams development. Keeping Monahan would be of great help to Suzuki, Dach (if he stays healthy) and the team in general. The Habs will need what Monahan gives them more than a late first rounder.
Any talk of “little love lost” between the Habs and Rangers management is likely something that Friedman is dreaming up. I don’t see that as an obstacle to a trade.
What Howard said. But ….
Montreal knows Monahan’s value. IMO the driver will be whether Monahan wants to play for a legit Cup contender. That’s not Montreal.
Obviously if Monahan does not want to re-sign, they’ll have no choice but to trade him.
I come to this site a lot as I like to read the comments as most posts are reasonable opinions, however I have to comment on some of what I’ve been reading regarding Monahan. My opinion is that of a Habs fan and only what is best for my team in the long run.
Mtl should not resign Monahan, next season for centres they have Suzuki, Dach, Dvorak and Evans with Beck in the wings ready to take Dvorak’s spot. Dvorak will be on the last year of his deal and Mtl will need to play him to maximize his value as an slightly above average 3rd line C that can win faceoffs, kill penalties and provide a little offense. They do not have minutes next year for Monahan.
As for the return for Monahan, Hughes will get a decent return. I’m hoping it will be another 1st round pick and not another project like Dach and Newhook were (Dach turned into a win btw and jury is still out on Newhook). Those saying that Monahan is not worth a first are crazy. He can go on most teams that are looking and play 2nd line C:
– NYR = he would be 2nd,
– Col = he would play 2nd ahead of Johansen and Colton,
– Wpg = he would slot nicely between Scheifele and Lowry (they need a faceoff guy badly)
– Bos = doubt Mtl trades him there as they do not trade with Bos
– Van = Yes, he would be 3rd C behind Pettersson and Miller
The only team that might get away with not giving a 1st is Wpg because they have Mtl’s 2nd rounder and that should be top 40 in the draft.
Lastly, Mtl should trade Monahan asap because he is healthy now and also causing them to accumulate too many points in the standings. They need to stay in the bottom 6-8 and pray for some lottery luck. Worst case scenario is they move up the standings and drop down to drafting 10th or lower.
Btw, Mtl should also trade Savard and Allen and if they can get anything for Armia or Pearson just take it.
Monahan, Wifi and a2nd for PLD
As much as I wanted the Habs to get him, I’m beginning to think that PLD stands for Pretty Lame Dude.
Canucks wont go after Monahan. No interest in high priced rentals.
I can’t believe the Montreal media and fans aren’t screaming Monahan for Lafrenierre…!
If Montreal can secure a 1st + for Monahan you have to give props to Hughes for that bit of GM wizardry. Getting two first round picks from two different teams for the same player. Well done!
The Rangers would be very foolish to trade LaFreniere. Every time I watch the Rangers, he sticks out as their best player? Plays the game the right way. I don’t think real ranger fans would want to lose him. If so, hope the Avalanche look into him!!
Re; Avalable Centres so far
Lots of team need Centres for the playoff run,
top centre avalable are both UFA.
#1Elias Lindholm $4.8M, A first and Top Prospect and…❓
#2 Sean Monahan $2.M A 1st pick to the highest bidder
would Not be surprized to see SM go back to montreal and re-sign there🤔
#3 Adam Henrique A 2nd pick, but he makes $$5.8M
are top name out there at pressent
Top 3 In the East that need a centre
Boston, NYR, Carolina
Top 3 in the West that need a centre
Canucks, Ava’s, Jets,
Both Monahan and Henrique make sense for the Penguins to fill that 3rd center spot ? Monahan is cheaper but not sure Montreal deals him but Adam Henrique is like a Toyota so reliable and dependable 20 goals, good two way player and great on face -offs..
Get Anaheim to retain send them a pick, and a prospect.. and a player.
Pierre Oliver joseph and a second round pick. Or maybe Reilly Smith…
At least we have someone now who will make a deal, close a deal and get it done….unlike the two bumkins of the last two years Hextall and Burke
Sean Monahan for Kaapo Kakko and their 1st in 2024. It’s a fair return for your second most consistent centre to Suzuki.
Absolutely not! Kakko is only beginning to be the player he was projected to be. Way too early to give up on him or Laffy.
Your crazy kaapo and a first no way
Kaapo and a pick lol
Absolutely not! Kakko is only beginning to be the player he was projected to be. Way too early to give up on him or Laffy.