After playing only 25 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season, veteran Sean Monahan has improved and says he’ll be ready for the team’s next training camp.
A day after signing a one-year contract extension that will earn him up to $2 million, the forward told TSN 150 Toronto radio station Wednesday morning that he is almost fully recovered from the injury. in the lower body that deprived him of the rest of his season after amassing 6 goals and 17 points.
” I feel very good. It’s been a long road, but I think it’s for the best. ”
“I went through a lot, I had a lot of free time and I now feel as close to being 100% as I have been in a very long time”, added the one who will start his 11th season in the NHL.
Monahan could have tested the unrestricted free agent market, but his teammates and coaches in Montreal encouraged him to stay in Montreal, he explained.
“I had a lot of fun there; the coaching staff and Marty [l’entraîneur-chef Martin St-Louis] had a lot to do with it, as did the group of guys, of course. I had a great opportunity while I was playing there and I was really enjoying it… It’s a decision I’m really happy about. ”
Even if he gets along well with the whole group of coaches, it’s really the presence of St. Louis that seems to have weighed in the balance for Monahan. “Martin is in the Hall of Fame as a player, but he is also as a person. (…), I have never had a coach like that in my life and he is one of the reasons why I decided to come back to Montreal. ”
At 28, Monahan is already a Habs veteran. With a squad made up of a plethora of young players, like captain Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Kirby Dach, who are 23, 21 and 21 respectively, Monahan seizes the opportunity to guide a younger core.
“I think I can help the team a lot and I also learn from them every day. I had a lot of fun hanging out with these guys and like I said, I can’t wait to be back. ”
Reflecting on the past season, which was marred by injuries not only for himself but for the entire team, Monahan said he had never experienced a season like this, but was looking forward to the next.
“It was unfortunate. At the start of the season we had energy and we were in the game almost every night. ”
“To be hit with so many injuries has been disappointing. I think we will be luckier this season. ”
25 games = $15,000
Monahan also noted that he had a lot of fun playing under the guidance of St. Louis last year after being acquired from the Calgary Flames.
“I think it’s easy to identify with him, to talk to him,” Monahan said. He really understands the game, the game today.
“He wants to see you progress and he helps you do that. You want to work for him and with him because he is always positive and enthusiastic during practice. I’ve never really had a coach like him in my life. He is absolutely one of the important factors in my decision to come back. ”
Monahan believes that with St. Louis and thanks to the decisions of general manager Kent Hughes, the day when the Canadiens will be competitive again is not far away. Especially if the important elements can avoid injuries, which has not been the case in the last two campaigns.
Monahan’s objective next winter is very simple. A clause was added to his contract for him to receive a bonus of $15,000 if he plays a certain number of games. This number? Twenty six.
“I thought it was funny since I played 25 games last season. The most important thing for me will be to play a full season and help the team fight for a playoff spot, Monahan said. I think we will have a hungry group. There are plenty of players who are ready to prove themselves, to take a step in the right direction.
“It’s a great group of guys and I’m happy to be part of it,” he concluded.
