Sean Monahan trade a masterclass in asset management for Montreal Canadiens

The Winnipeg Jets made a big splash on Friday, acquired Sean Monahan from the Montreal Canadiens for a 2024 first-round pick, and a conditional third-round pick in 2027.

It is a great move by the Jets, as it adds some secondary scoring to a team that has a healthy mix of young and veteran talent. It also gives Winnipeg more depth down the middle, helping them look like more of a contender come playoff time.

However, the trade can also end up being a win on the other side, as Canadiens’ general manger Kent Hughes managed to get a solid return for the 29-year-old. The Habs originally acquired Monahan, along with a conditional 2025 first-round pick, before the 2022-23 season.

With the trading of Monahan for a first-round pick, Hughes seemingly got two first-round picks thanks to one player, not to mention they did not have retain any of Monahan’s salary. While the team is still a few years away from being competitive once again, the work Hughes as done to receive assets will help give Montreal a stable foundation in the future.

It is worth considering that a slightly-less talented lineup will certainly give the Habs better odds in the upcoming NHL Draft Lottery.

On Friday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk gave Hughes the credit he deserves for the work he has done with the Habs.

Tyler Yaremchuk: These are the kind of moves that accelerate a rebuild.

Frank Seravalli: The re-signed [Monahan] for this exact opportunity. It was to give him a chance to work his way back [from injury], become a good player again…a great piece of asset management from Kent Hughes in this case. Getting the first, taking him on, now getting another one when you send him away.

You can watch the full segment, and the entire episode here…