Kent Hughes used his appearance before the media to shed light on Sean Monahan’s nebulous situation.
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Out since early December with a right foot injury, the striker resumed training in late January before retiring after returning from the star hiatus.
As is their habit, the organization was very stingy with explanations.
“He got injured again while he was getting back into shape,” Hughes said. We didn’t want to share the information to protect Sean, but also to have the opportunity to communicate directly with the teams (who would be interested in his services). »
Thierry Laforce / QMI Agency
In the days leading up to his retirement from training, Monahan had played games despite walking around in a protective boot. Hughes claimed that this had no bearing on the injury at hand, although he cannot 100% confirm this.
“We learn about the interrelationships between body parts every day, but we don’t think that’s the case. »
The Canadian’s general manager didn’t reveal the nature of the injury, content to say it was unrelated to the first. Furthermore, he could not confirm whether the 28-year-old forward would play again this season.
So it’s possible that without getting his skates on, Monahan will have to convince the Habs General Staff to grant him a new contract.
“It’s still too early to think about this summer. In terms of health, Hughes emphasized that he was a useful player for our team. For now, let’s focus on his health. We will make a decision later.”
Kaufield and Slafkowski
Monahan isn’t the only injured player who will have to sign a new contract for the upcoming season. This is also the case with Cole Caufield.
Obviously the secret in this file is not very big. The two clans will surely get along. Except it feels like it’s dragging on.
After surgery on his right shoulder in early February, the American will have to wait until next season to return to football.
“Not at all,” assured the Canadian’s general manager. We’re continuing to work on that. Of course there are times, like the trade deadline, when contract negotiations take second place. Both for us and for his agent.
Even in the long-term injuries section, it’s already clear that Juraj Slafkovsky won’t be able to return in time to play one final game with the Canadiens this season.
However, he could well be available to the Slovakian team, which is taking part in the World Cup at the end of April. An idea Hughes isn’t too keen on.
“We prefer that he comes back next fall. We prefer not to take risks. We’ve had enough bad luck with injuries. »