If you already have $9M to spend (which is alot), then you may not want to spend assets to free up an additional $3M. Now if you were tight to the cap at the TDL and had alot of needs, then yes of course you would free up that $3M.
Yes, Monahan happened. Lots of those situations happen. I can't remember one happening mid-season though, and that's an important distinction. Cause Montreal had training camp and all year to pump Monahan up, on top of Monahan playing a premium position as a Potential 1C.
Also, yes on Hall. Let's get this f***in dynasty started.