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Sean Monahan plays like a Selke Trophy candidate, says Renaud Lavoie

So far this season, Sean Monahan leads the CH in goals with five. He has eight points, as many as Nick Suzuki, and only Cole Caufield currently surpasses him with 10. Six assists for only four goals for CC22: I didn’t have that on my bingo card at the end of October.

Sean Monahan is also second on the team for differential (he’s at +5) and he’s not among the most punished on his club. He also wins more than 60% of his face-offs.

So the question is: should this player, responsible on 200 feet and productive despite playing far less time than his club’s best players, be considered for the Selke?

Renaud Lavoie, on BPM Sports this morning, said yes… and we have to admit he’s right. And without Patrice Bergeron in the league, the trophy for best defensive forward is up for grabs.

Monahan, who stepped up in Kirby Dach’s absence, is very important to the Habs. He’s good on the ice and he’s good for the culture that Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis are trying to build.

He can also play anywhere. We all agree on that.

But right now, we’re wondering what to do with him at the deadline: trade him, keep him as a future independent player or sign him to a contract extension.

Anthony Desaulniers and Gilbert Delorme spoke to BPM Sports this morning about this very subject. And while the former wants to trade him, the latter would prefer to retain his services.

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Obviously, we’re all putting the cart before the horse a bit by doing this… but nothing forbids it.

It’s clear that right now, we’re talking without knowing if Monahan will get hurt between now and the deadline. As was the case last year, this could change everything for the former Calgary Flames player.

But if he stays healthy, I think the Habs should keep him.

I’m not saying they have to keep him at all costs, and if a good offer comes on the table (including a young piece who can contribute now), I might go ahead. But trading him for a 25th overall pick who might become Filip Mesar? I don’t know if I’d be tempted.

As for Monahan, Renaud Lavoie would go with an approach that puts the player at the center of the plan.

What this means is that if Monahan is healthy, he would ask him if he wants to go win the Cup elsewhere or if he wants to finish the season – and his contract – with the Montreal Canadiens.

It’s not crazy.

Lavoie also said that Monahan, who chose to return to Montreal this summer when he was eligible for full autonomy, really loves playing for the Montreal Canadiens. He loves the experience and the way he’s being treated, obviously.

Sean Monahan loves playing for the Montreal Canadiens. – Renaud Lavoie

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If they’re putting the decision in his hands, I’d like to think it’s with the knowledge that he wants to stay for the rest of his career. Otherwise, it would be pointless to keep him only to lose him for free in July.

That wouldn’t be good management.

And for that, he’d have to accept a contract that wouldn’t handcuff the CH too much in the event of injury, but would also be fair to him. Is he willing to do that to stay in Montreal?

If the answer is yes, I think I’ll keep him. If not, trading him becomes the obvious solution.

Note that I don’t believe in the scenario that he would be traded to come back. Except with Tomas Plekanec, those plans never really work. #RememberIlyaKovalchuk

Even if he’s not the fastest player, he makes up for it with his game sense, which is an important aspect in a club. It makes me believe that if he stays healthy (which is a big if, I know), he can’t become bad overnight, right?

In gossip

– The kid’s in Boston to stay.

– A great visit.

– Zach Benson is injured.

– Charlie McAvoy will have some explaining to do.

– All is not well in Pittsburgh.