Sean Monahan hoped to get his NHL career back on track following his trade from the Calgary Flames to the Montreal Canadiens last August. He spent nine seasons in Calgary, but the final two were hampered by hip surgeries. The Flames cleared his $6.4 million average annual value from their books in order to sign Nazem Kadri.

Monahan wasted little time establishing himself on the rebuilding Canadiens. A versatile player who can skate at all three forward positions, the 28-year-old recorded 17 points in 25 games on their second line until he was sidelined Dec. 5 by a lower-body injury. He's fourth in points on the low-scoring Habs even though he's missed a month.

Despite his injury, Monahan could garner interest from playoff contenders leading up to the March 3 trade deadline. A quick return to form once he rejoins the Canadiens lineup later this month could boost his value in the trade market. It could also improve his worth in unrestricted free agency this summer.

The Canadiens also got a conditional first-round pick from the Flames as part of the deal for Monahan. On Dec. 27, Sportsnet's Eric Engels speculated Montreal could get a 2024 first-rounder or a lower pick and a quality prospect in return.

Here's our take on five potential landing spots for Monahan and what type of return he could fetch. You can express your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes were the top team in their division over the last two seasons. With 56 points in 39 games this campaign, they've wrested away first place in the Metropolitan Division from the slumping New Jersey Devils and are once again among the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

While the Hurricanes possess solid goaltending and a deep defensive corps, their 3.10 goals-per-game average ranks 20th overall despite the presence of Martin Necas, Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho. They've also struggled to adequately replace center Vincent Trocheck, who signed with the New York Rangers last summer.

Monahan could address that need. His offensive stats are better than Paul Stastny's 12 points and Jesperi Kotkaniemi's 13 points, and he's just two behind Jordan Staal's 19 points. His faceoff win percentage (55.1) and his ability to play any forward position would make him a good addition to the Hurricanes' forward lines.

Given Carolina's limited trade-deadline cap space, Montreal would have to retain half of Monahan's prorated cap hit. The Canadiens would also have to take back a salary like that of permanently sidelined defenseman Jake Gardiner. The Habs' asking price could be the Hurricanes' first-rounder and perhaps a prospect such as Alexander Nikishin or Scott Morrow.

Colorado Avalanche

Nazem Kadri played a critical role in the Colorado Avalanche's march to the 2021-22 Stanley Cup. His departure last August to the Flames left a significant hole in their second-line center position.

The Avalanche have employed J.T. Compher in that role, but he lacks Kadri's experience and two-way skills. On Nov. 10, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun expressed his belief that they could attempt to find a second-line center for the 2023 playoffs by the trade deadline.

Trade rumors have linked Chicago's Jonathan Toews and St. Louis' Ryan O'Reilly to the Avalanche. Monahan, however, also has considerable experience as a center and can easily shift to left or right wing if required. He carries a more affordable cap hit compared to Toews' prorated $10.5 million and O'Reilly's $7.5 million.

The Canadiens might have to retain half of Monahan's remaining cap hit to fit within Colorado's limited deadline cap space. The Avs lack second- and third-round picks this year and could be unwilling to part with their first-rounders. However, a prospect such as Sean Behrens or Oskar Olausson might tempt the Canadiens.

Minnesota Wild

On Dec. 3, The Athletic's Michael Russo and Joe Smith pointed out the Minnesota Wild's need to bolster their offense. A month later, it still remains an issue. Despite the contributions of superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov and linemate Mats Zuccarello, the Wild's 3.19 goals-per-game average ranks 16th overall.

One reason is a lack of experienced depth at the center position. Joel Eriksson Ek has 29 points in 37 games as their second-line center. Sam Steel and Frédérick Gaudreau both have 17 points.

Monahan could be a good fit here as a playoff rental. He has the same number of points as Gaudreau and Steel in far fewer games on a less talented team. He would also provide a boost to the Wild's faceoff win percentage, which sits 26th in the league at 46.7.

The Wild's $14.8 million in projected trade-deadline cap space gives them plenty of room to absorb Monahan's remaining cap hit. However, the Canadiens could retain part of it to garner a better return. They could seek the Wild's 2023 or 2024 first-round pick. Perhaps general manager Bill Guerin would counter with a second-rounder plus a prospect such as defenseman Carson Lambos.

Montreal Canadiens

It was assumed the Canadiens would shop Monahan at the trade deadline when they acquired him last summer from the Flames. The 28-year-old's status as an unrestricted free agent in July made him seem unlikely to fit into the club's long-term plans.

On Dec. 1, however, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Canadiens management was considering whether to re-sign Monahan. He noted that the club was impressed with how well the veteran forward fit in on and off the ice.

LeBrun still believed Monahan could be shopped by the trade deadline. Nevertheless, that might not be the case if he remains a strong contributor once he returns to action later this month. Despite his play this season, his injury could hamper the Canadiens' efforts to find a suitable return for him in this year's trade market.

Monahan won't get another lucrative long-term contract from the Canadiens or another club via free agency. Perhaps he'll accept a two- or three-year deal worth $4 million annually to stick around and help the Habs rebuild. They already got a conditional first-round pick from the Flames for him, so it's not like they'll lose out if they don't move him by the deadline.

New York Islanders

New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello was seeking scoring depth last summer. He was rumored to have looked into signing Johnny Gaudreau before Gaudreau joined the Columbus Blue Jackets. He also reportedly spoke to the Vancouver Canucks about J.T. Miller and was said to have had an interest in Nazem Kadri before Kadri joined the Flames.

The Islanders' 3.20 goals-per-game average this season is an improvement over the combined 2.75 of the previous four campaigns. As they jockey for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference, their offense could make the difference between clinching a playoff spot or missing the cut for the second straight season.

Canadiens GM Ken Hughes has a recent trade history with Lamoriello, shipping Alexander Romanov and a fourth-round pick to the Isles during last year's draft for their 2022 first-rounder. Perhaps they could collaborate again, with Monahan going to the Isles, where his versatility and two-ways skills could help the team at both ends of the rink.

The Islanders have $6.6 million in projected trade-deadline cap space. Hughes, however, could be willing to retain part of Monahan's remaining salary for a suitable return like a first-round pick. If Lamoriello won't budge, perhaps Hughes would accept a lower pick or a promising youngster such as 20-year-old Aatu Räty.

Stats (as of Jan. 5, 2023) via NHL.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly. Line combinations via Daily Faceoff.