Monahan was a win win, it was speculated and rumored that he would not play again and Montreal got a 1st round pick for taking on that contract that in the scenario he does not play, would be covered by insurance and Monahan then took a friendly deal to show himself and Montreal got another pick when he was moved.
They seem more interested in maximizing return on players with contracts than assembling a competitive roster. That is the impression I get from Molson & company, and who can blame them? As long as the are packing them in at the Bell center and raking it in, what's the incentive to make the team a cup contender? to do so, it will cost them more sooner but taking a more passive approach than proactive it saves them money. The priority from Molson & company is not about winning and contending, just ask any of the board of directors, surely there must be some here than know at least one or more, don't know how honest they would be though when answering. Professional PR and marketing and sales is their objectives. Winning a cup would be by happenstance.