Quoting: Campabee
2 2nd's a 3rd and a 5th isn't enough for Monahan alone, it will cost a 1st + 3rd for him, Kovacevic for a 3rd is fair, Xhekaj is simply not on the market
What Kent Hughes asks for and what he ends up getting are two different things. a 2nd + 3rd is pretty fair value for a guy like Monahan given his injury history and level of play in the seasons prior. I know that Hughes has stated the price is a 1st, but it often comes in lower than that.
Take for example Horvat last season. The Canucks ask for him was a 1st + blue-chip prospect + U25 roster player. The Canucks ended up having to retain 25% and take a 25+ cap dump dump back instead of the U25 roster player.
Or, better yet, Max Domi. Very similar situation to Monahan; struggled seasons prior, signed a 1-year deal, and produced well (better than Monahan). Chicago's ask was a high draft pick + mid-round pick (just like Hughes). They ended up only getting a 2nd for him.