Dumba White Kuemper

My question is why trade Monahan? It leaves you weak up the middle? He is considered a top 20 center. Unless you have a plan to replace him with a better center, I don't see him getting traded.

I really don't think Monahan is a top 20 centre in the NHL. He plays C, but is essentially a winger with the way he plays the game. He doesn't drive play nor create very much for his linemates. He's also very limited defensively. I get that he tried to improve that aspect of his game, but he's still a one trick pony. If he's not scoring he isn't doing much for you, he's not a player who brings value with his defensive game.

I could see them trading Monahan because of the ability of Lindholm to play C. Ward has referenced on a few occasions that Lindholm reminds him a lot of Patrice Bergeron. If you have a player like that, you may as well use him in the game's most valuable position