While several observers and experts question certain acquisitions for the Canadiens, an interesting development has just come up.

A new mention involving Sean Monahan, focusing on everything he could bring to the Montreal Canadiens.

In an insightful article published on the TVA Sports website, Marc-Antoine Malo wonders if the Canadiens currently needs veterans like Monahan.

«Even though the young players are progressing, the Montreal Canadiens are sometimes held back by inexperience, and there are times when one wonders if Sean Monahan was the ideal player to guide the offense.» – Marc-Antoine Malo

The trade to the Winnipeg Jets was certainly beneficial for Kent Hughes, who was able to acquire the promising Michael Hage afterward, but should he have worked harder to bring Monahan back via the free-agent market this past summer?

Martin St-Louis seems to share this view.

Sean Monahan Really Wins Over the Canadiens’ Locker Room, Even for Martin St-Louis

See some excerpts:

«He’s what we needed with all our young guys. He checked a lot of boxes for us,» confirmed the Habs’ head coach after Saturday’s morning practice.

«He’s a guy who has a great effect on a locker room, on a team,» recalled David Savard, himself considered one of the most influential voices in the room. «He’s a guy with a perfect work ethic. He was liked by everyone.»

It’s no coincidence that all the young Blue Jackets players paired with Monahan magically start producing and playing well.

We can’t rewrite the past, but we can truly wonder if having Sean Monahan might have changed many things for the Canadiens this season, even at $5.5 million per year until 2029.

Monahan, 30 years old, has accumulated 13 points in 17 games this season with Columbus, where he’s likely the best forward on the Blue Jackets.

And you, what do you think?