Contract extension for Sean Monahan in Montreal? Details are surfacing about this possibility

Sean Monahan's situation with the Montreal Canadiens unfortunately ended up in a bind.

After starting off the year strong, suggesting that Kent Hughes and the CH would be able to sell his services at a high price at the trade deadline, a foot injury suffered in early December thwarted the organization's plans.

While the injury was supposed to be a matter of weeks, it ended up being a matter of months.

With the March 3 deadline now a week and a half away, it seems unlikely, if not nearly impossible, that Hughes will be able to secure a meaningful return for the 29-year-old veteran.

With that in mind, some are wondering if the logical choice for the CH might therefore be to offer Sean Monahan a contract extension so as not to lose him for nothing this summer. It's all a matter of price and duration, of course, but it could make both parties happy.

But Renaud Lavoie has just clarified this situation. Here is what he had to say on the JiC show on TVA Sports.

Clearly, he may solidify the center line or provide excellent leadership and mentor the youngsters, but if Monahan's tendency is to play half the games of a full season, we can forget about a contract extension.

What's even more concerning about this issue is that this is the second time he's tried to start skating with his teammates again and had to suddenly stop a few days later. We know about his injury history and the surgeries he has undergone over the past few years.

Frankly, he has become a real hot potato in the hands of the management who does not know where to start in order not to damage a possible chance to trade him, without admitting that his rehabilitation is not at all reassuring.

Lavoie also admits to having observed Monahan during a training session alone, and here is what he had to say.

Like the Montreal Canadiens, the other 31 NHL teams may be very reluctant to make him a big contract offer when the free-agent market opens.

I highly doubt that Monahan will be able to get a large amount of money per year, let alone get a multi-season contract, given the significant risk associated with his fragile health condition.

If the idea is to give him a one or two year contract at a salary of $2 or $2.5M, I'm not saying no, but will he take that kind of offer? It's hard to say right now.

Other than that, Kent Hughes must be very careful before signing him again, because the same problematic situation could very well happen again next year, if his history is any indication.

Do we really want to get into this on the CH side, especially if Monahan is not able to come back at 100%?

I have serious doubts.

Credit: LetsGoHabs.com

Former goaltender drafted by the Oilers has tragically passed away suddenly

Top young Blue Jackets defenseman could be traded as early as tonight and the Oilers are the front-runners

TSN insiders debate a potential Sidney Crosby trade to the Leafs and discuss how close it is to happening

NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette hospitalized after an altercation with six men in an Arizona restaurant

Insider reveals the Ottawa Senators are expecting to make a major trade after several key injuries

The Pittsburgh Penguins shockingly act like buyers and acquire a former first-round pick in big trade

Elliotte Friedman shocks hockey world by stating 50-goal scorer has been placed on trade block by Rangers

NHL announces 700-game legendary referee has tragically passed away

Fan-favorite Nikita Grebenkin involved in a legendary street interview following his first viral outburst

Don Cherry rips Darnell Nurse's character apart for one shocking reason involving Ryan Reaves