Calgary Flames trade Sean Monahan to Montreal Canadiens

The Calgary Flames have traded center Sean Monahan to the Montreal Canadiens. The trade was first reported by hockey insider Chris Johnston on Thursday.

The Flames have sent Monahan and a conditional 1st round pick in 2025.

In a statement, Flames general manager Brad Treliving thanked Monahan.

“On behalf of the entire Flames organization, I sincerely thank Sean for his nine years of selfless dedication and perseverance,” said Treliving. “Sean was a great Flame, a first class individual who exemplified the definition of respect. Our team and city were fortunate to have him as a player, ambassador and member of our community. We wish Sean and his wife Brittany every success in this new chapter of their lives and once again say thank you.”

Monahan, 27, is on the final year of a contract paying him an AAV of $6.75-million and appeared in 65 games last year with the Flames. He scored eight goals and 23 points before being shut down for hip surgery.

He’s struggled through injuries in recent years and his play, and role with the team, have gradually diminished. In his prime early in his career, Monahan was a solid top-six center and between his 19-year-old and 24-year-old season, six years worth of play, he scored 172 goals and 363 points.

It’s believed that Monahan could return to play this year and should be able to provide some solid value as a third-liner. He’s a necessary cap casualty, however, after the Flames signed UFA center Nazem Kadri to a seven-year deal with a $7 million AAV Thursday.

Montreal, meanwhile, has just under $250,000 in cap space, so the money quickly becomes tight for them. Despite that, placing Carey Price and his $10.5-million contract on the LTIR could quickly open things up for them with Kirby Dach still in need of a new contract.