Major trade deadline transaction: the dilemma is very real for Sean Monahan's future with the Montreal Canadiens

However, after nine games, it's clear that if he remains healthy, Monahan will be an asset for the team in the longer term. The temptation to trade him will be strong, as he will have significant value on the trade market, but why not offer him a contract extension instead?

Martin Lemay, Benoit Brunet, and Yannick Levesque discussed this question today on RDS, and all three are unanimous: Kent Hughes should keep him. Good veterans are needed to surround the young players.

An important point they raised is that the Canadiens won't be better next year without Monahan, as the team is in full development. So why step back?

The decision will primarily be up to Monahan. If he intends to test the free-agent market this summer or if he wants to stay in Montreal, Kent Hughes will need to base his strategy on that above all else.