Former Calgary Flames forward, Sean Monahan has been an intriguing player within the National Hockey League, over the course of the past few seasons. The once dominant 80 point scorer, saw a regression in points totals within the past three seasons.
The $6,375,000 man entered the 2022-23 season in his final year of a massive contract worth $44,625,000 over the course of seven years. Poor performance eventually led the Calgary Flames to trade Monahan, along with a conditional first-round pick, to Montreal for future considerations.
With the Montreal Canadiens, Monahan has since seen a boost in offensive production and ice-time. The 28-year-old centermen has been one of the best forwards within the Habs' lineup this season.
Monahan has been paired on the top line, alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. The Brampton native, has suited up for all seven games this season, recording two goals and three assists over the span. Monahan also leads all Habs' forwards with a faceoff percentage of 56.8%.
What has prompted the surge in Sean Monahan's game? For one, TOI factors into a players point, and overall playing totals. Last season, Monahan was rolling a fourth-line role on the Calgary Flames, while this season he has averaged almost 18 minutes per night.
A change in scenery may be all Monahan needed. The former first-round pick is on track to record around 58 points this season, and upgrade from his 23 point season last year.
For the Montreal Canadiens they will continue to utilize Monahan on a line with Suzuki and Caufield, as the line has been dominating every game. Montreal also received a conditional-first round pick, which will help the franchise in the future.