About a month before the trade deadline, the Canadiens and the Jets reached a deal, sending Sean Monahan to Winnipeg in exchange for a first-round pick.
The feedback was quite negative, especially when compared to the Canucks' acquisition of Elias Lindholm the day before at a higher cost, considering Lindholm and Monahan's similar playing styles.
However, Monahan's injury history significantly lowered his trade value, though it's acknowledged that the return could have been worse. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff tried negotiating, but in vain. Kent Hughes simply doesn't negotiate. He sets his price, and it's a take-it-or-leave-it situation.
Of course, this strategy may have some drawbacks. Players might end up staying longer than desired, as seen with Jake Allen. However, the Canadiens are in a rebuilding phase, and there's no rush. It's not as if the team has an immediate chance of winning major honors.