The worst off-season moves by Metro Division teams
From the Blue Jackets overpaying Sean Monahan, to the Capitals taking on a bad contract until the end of time, there is plenty to choose from.
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Although plenty of time remains before training camps open in September, the reality is most teams have finished their off-season work.
I recently took a closer look at some of the best moves made by Metro Division teams. This time around I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the worst.
Columbus overpaying Sean Monahan
I get why the Blue Jackets saw appeal in Monahan. He is a responsible, veteran center who can win a ton of faceoffs and help insulate some of their young pivots like Adam Fantilli.
There’s also the history he has with Johnny Gaudreau, who the Blue Jackets invested a ton of resources into. If they feel he can help get the most out of Gaudreau, bringing Monahan in is worth a shot. But the price they paid to do it was borderline ridiculous.
Not long ago the Flames had to attach a 1st round pick to Monahan to shed his salary. That salary was *checks notes* not even $1 million more than the Blue Jackets just handed Monahan over a five-year term.
Sure, his numbers were pretty good last season. But he was given a ton of minutes in opportune situations. He also benefited from a lot of puck luck, posting the highest PDO of his career.
Last season aside, he hasn’t produced at 5v5 efficiently over the past five years. He has a long injury history. He’s not the fleetest of foot. He turns 30 at the beginning of this coming season. And the Blue Jackets are nowhere close to contention.
