Sean Monahan insists, this time he’s telling the truth when he says he’s never felt better in four or five years.
Monahan was limited to 25 games in his first season with the Montreal Canadiens last winter. Still, the experience charmed him enough to agree to a one-year, $1.985 million contract extension with the Habs rather than test the free agent market.
“I think I owed it to myself, the fans and the organization,” Monahan said via videoconference the day after the contract was announced on Wednesday. The coaches have been amazing with me and I’ve made lifelong friends among my teammates. »
A foot injury and then a groin injury ended the season for Monahan, who played his final game on December 5. The 28-year-old Ontarian has suffered numerous injuries and operations over the past few years, including going under the knife to fix problems with each hip.
Monahan admitted he always has a habit of saying he feels good when talking to reporters. So he insisted on Wednesday when he repeated this shot.
“I’m the only one who really knows how I feel and I can say I feel normal now,” Monahan said. I don’t hesitate to do anything. I have no restriction on ice. »
“I skate two or three times a week and I did everything I had to do. I am ready to prove to myself that I am still a good player. »
Monahan was just a good player for the Canadiens before he was injured. He had six goals and 11 assists and seemed to have a natural bond with the Habs’ young stars. He also excelled in the face-off circle with an efficiency of 55.1%.
He noted that he had a lot of fun playing under the guidance of head coach Martin St-Louis.
“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.