NHL Rumors: Canadiens Center Becoming Prime Trade Candidate

In a cap dump move, the Montreal Canadiens acquired Sean Monahan and a first-round pick from the Calgary Flames this offseason. The 28-year-old center was coming off the worst season of his career, but now, Monahan is already silencing his critics this season. In his first seven games as a Canadien, he has five points and is showing signs of his former self.

Yes, the sample size is small, but if he keeps this pace of play up, he will be a prime rental candidate from the Canadiens as we get closer to the deadline. Given the fact that Montreal is rebuilding, expect GM Kent Hughes to take advantage of Monahan's growing trade value.

Playoff teams are always looking to improve down the middle, and if Monahan continues to show signs of being a top-six center, there will be no shortage of interest around the league. Regardless, though, expect to see Montreal move him at some point this season.