3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Sean Monahan

The NHL's free agency period kicks off July 1 and one player who will be an interesting free agent to watch is Montreal Canadiens forward Sean Monahan. At 28 years old and coming off an injury plagued season, Monahan is going to be an option for a number of teams this season as he'll be in line for a short-term 'prove it' contract, which are low-risk high-reward moves for interested teams. Here's a few who will be calling Monahan once free agency opens:

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs will be in the market for center depth as Ryan O'Reilly is expected to sign a long-term contract somewhere else this summer. Monahan is an interesting replacement as he recorded 17 points in 25 games last season and at times, looked like his old self. There's also pending free agents David Kampf and Noel Acciari who Toronto has to worry about leaving. The Leafs will have lots of cap space this summer with Jake Muzzin moving to LTIR and the potential buy out of Matt Murray. Look for Toronto to contact Monahan immediately once free agency begins.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Another team looking for a center, the Penguins could add Monahan for their third-line. He's also a nice back up plan should either Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby be out short term with injury. Like the Leafs, the Penguins will have roughly $20 million in cap space and lots of room to add Monahan. Pittsburgh will be making drastic changes to their bottom six and it could be kick started with the addition of the veteran center.

Colorado Avalanche

Losing Gabriel Landeskog for the season hurts a ton but the Avalanche aren't going to roll over and die. They will be an active team trying to replace some of what Landeskog brings to the table and adding a center will be priority. Monahan is versatile to also play the wing and this is something teams love. He also has 21 points in 30 career Stanley Cup Playoff games so Colorado should be comfortable knowing Monahan can perform when the lights are the brightest.