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It’s a well-known fact that quality centers are highly sought after players in the NHL, not to paraphrase Heroes, but you could almost say, win the middle, win the game. Elias Lindholm was the best center available for the upcoming trade deadline and since the Flames have already moved him, and moved him at a high price, Kent Hughes should have plenty of suitors for 29-year-old Sean Monahan.
In return for Lindholm, the Flames received forward Andrei Kuzmenko, offensive right-shot defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz and Finnish prospect left shot defenseman Joni Jurmo along with the Canucks 2024 first round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth round pick. Brzustewick and Jurmo are unsigned, the Flames have until June 1st, 2025, to sign the former and until this upcoming June 1st to sign the latter.
This is a significant return for Lindholm and if Kent Hughes plays his cards as well as we know he can play them, he should definitely be able to land a 1st round pick for Monahan. While Lindholm is considered the better player, this season, Sean Monahan actually has three points more than the newly minted Canuck. Injury history can also be a deterrent in Monahan’s case and will definitely be a factor in the return Hughes manages to get.
Since the Flames pulled the trigger on this deal so early, perhaps Monahan could be traded sooner rather than later. He has managed to stay healthy this season, but he was skipping some practices in the last week to receive treatment. Furthermore, he’s been on fire for the last two weeks so it’s safe to say his stock is red hot these days.
Watch this space as there could be some action with the Canadiens even if it’s not on the ice…No, Nick Suzuki at the All-Star Game doesn’t really count as action, well not considering the “show” the All-Stars put on last year anyways. Personally, the most interesting moments of this All-Stars weekend will come tonight when team captains start drafting players and we get to see who’s the new “Phil Kessel” and the PWHL 3 on 3 showcase. For those who were of the view women’s hockey was boring because of the lack of contact, I think there’s a chance you’ll love this new brand of more physical hockey, enjoy!
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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