If habs are indeed out of the playoff race, then they make this trade

They should be taking that trade even if they are in playoff contention

i think thats fair value, I'm expecting montreal to atleast kick tires on what Monahan is looking for in his next contract, He brings a lot to the team and i could see them considering resigning him.

He has oficially stepped in the "resigning" territory

100% if he wants something in the 3-5 year range at a reasonable cap hit I dont see how you can move him, another late first round pick isnt going to help as much.

Another Filip Mesar? lol
Monahan just turned 29! I'd sign him for 4 years @ 5M instantly.

If we are firmly in a playoff spot come tdl and looking like a contender then I would consider this. Thought we should have tried to sign him in free agency.

The longer the season goes, the more Monahan seems to be fully healthy and back to top form.
As a Habs fan, I'm shocked at how well he played. He scored last night - a goal that was refused though, for an offside 35 seconds prior; he would be 13GP 7G 6A, and winning faceoffs like a beast, and playing with poor linemates.

I've changed my stance progressively on him. He's worth at the VERY LEAST a 1st and more, or Habs would be stupid not to extend him.
No reason to lose him at this point. He just turned 29, still in his prime... yeah, I'm on the "extend him" bandwagon now - unless a truly huge offer comes along.

Note: we're just as surprised as anyone around the league at his strong play.