A major development will potentially boost Sean Monahan's value

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MarcO
January 26, 2023 (12:52)

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We are now only five weeks away from the trade deadline.

While the market has been particularly quiet so far this year, that may change very soon, as the closer we get to March 3, the more likely it is that trades will come in with a bang.

If there is one certainty for the Montreal Canadiens at this important time in the calendar, it is that the team will be selling again this season.

The player most likely to be moved by Kent Hughes is veteran Sean Monahan, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The club's GM will want to sell his services to the highest bidder.

Moreover, there is an unexpected but very relevant development that could make his value soar on the transaction market.

According to an article from RDS, one of the most sought-after center players at the trade deadline, Ryan O'Reilly, is not interested in changing addresses.

"This is where I want to play. I hope I don't get traded, but I imagine things will progress, especially as the trade deadline approaches. We'll see." - Ryan O'Reilly

Also according to the St. Louis Blues player, he is not ruling out the possibility of signing a contract extension with his current team.

"We've started to have talks, but there's not really a deadline. That's really all I can say at this point." - Ryan O'Reilly

Now, should the Blues ultimately not trade his captain, that's one less talented center on the market, which means Monahan's value, if he returns to form before the deadline, should certainly increase.

This O'Reilly issue will have a big influence on the return Hughes will get for the CH #91, so let's hope St. Louis keeps their veteran.