Blackhawks: Acquiring Sean Monahan

Sean Monahan - Ottawa Senators v Calgary Flames
Sean Monahan - Ottawa Senators v Calgary Flames / Derek Leung/GettyImages

The Blackhawks are completely changing their team around. Kubalik and Strome are not being tendered qualifying offers while many other trades have been made. A potential move to bring in Sean Monahan from the Flames after his disappointing season makes sense if the team plans to continue the tank.

Monahan, 27, put up 23 points in 65 games with the Flames last year. In his 656 game career, he has 462 points. He stands at 6'2, 200 pounds, and has 30 playoff games under his belt where he added 21 points. He has one year left on his $6.375M AAV contract. Bringing him in would probably be very cheap asset wise, and would give the Hawks some draft capital, alongside a prospect that could be used within 1-2 years.

Potential Trade:

Blackhawks Acquire: Sean Monahan, Cameron Whynot, 3rd Round Pick

Flames Acquire: 7th Round Pick

There is a reason this trade benefits both teams here. The Flames want to win now, they came close to the western conference finals and looked incredibly strong in the regular season. Moving out Monahan's $6.375M contract would give them some room to fill out their few weaknesses and become a true contender.

For the Blackhawks, adding any draft capital is beneficial for a team that has no intentions of being contenders for 2-3 years at least. Cameron Whynot is a prospect I have been very high on since before last years draft. He is a D man that could be NHL ready in 1-2 years, which is right around when I expect the Blackhawks to get serious again.

Bringing in Monahan is a win-win for the Blackhawks. If he bounces back and fits the teams system, you could bring him back for a much cheaper contract. If he completely bombs, he's gone after the season has completed, and you've got $6.375M to play with during free agency with a new prospect, and a new draft pick.