Trade between the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadiens: A masterstroke by Kent Hughes with the acquisition of Sean Monahan

It was in August 2022 that Kent Hughes acquired and a first-round pick in 2025 in exchange for future considerations.

Calgary's plan was to free up cap space to sign . Normally, Monahan is a more complete and overall better player than Kadri, but his injuries had raised concerns for the Flames.

When you look at it today, the Flames have signed and for a combined total of 17 million per year. Monahan costs the Canadiens 1.9 million.

" has 8 pts in his first 9 GP and is a +5 for the #Habs - decently productive on special teams.

#Flames dealt a 1st attached to get rid of him the same summer that they added Huberdeau and Kadri.

Huberdeau and Kadri combined right now have 7 points, -21

Hindsight!"

Monahan has just turned 29. If he stays healthy, he could bring quite a return at the trade deadline or sign a mid-term deal with the Habs, becoming a solid veteran presence for the organization's young players.

It's a true masterstroke by Kent Hughes and a complete contrast to Brad Treliving, the former Flames GM who is now with the Maple Leafs.