The Colorado Avalanche’s pursuit of a second-line center to bolster their chances of a deep Stanley Cup run is heating up, with eyes firmly set on Montreal Canadiens‘ Sean Monahan.
Sports journalist Mark Kiszla from The Denver Post emphasized the urgency for the Avs to strengthen their roster, citing the team’s salary cap constraints as a significant hurdle. General Manager Chris MacFarland faces the challenge of navigating these financial limitations creatively.
Exploring Colorado Avalanche’s Interest in Sean Monahan
In the realm of NHL trade rumors, Sean Monahan emerges as a feasible acquisition for the Avalanche. The Canadiens may be open to retaining a portion of his salary, making the deal more palatable for Colorado.
Monahan’s current performance stats from the 2023-2024 season show him as a valuable asset. He has tallied 8 goals and 7 assists in 26 games, demonstrating his potential to be a significant contributor to the Avalanche’s offensive scheme. However, his -6 plus/minus rating suggests there may be room for improvement in his defensive game.
Monahan’s contract status with the Canadiens indicates a salary cap hit of $1,985,000 for the 2023-24 season, a figure that seems manageable for the Avalanche’s salary cap considerations. This lower cap hit is a result of a significant decrease from his previous season’s cap hit of $6,375,000. This financial aspect could be a key factor in facilitating a trade, allowing the Avalanche to enhance their center depth without overwhelming their budget.
The move to acquire Monahan could be a strategic play for the Avalanche. His experience and skills could be the missing piece in their quest for another deep playoff run, adding depth and versatility to their forward lineup.
