Sean Monahan makes major statement regarding his health

The Calgary Flames have made some of the biggest moves so far this offseason, starting with the blockbuster deal that saw Matthew Tkachuk traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar; the team also added free agent forward Nazem Kadri from the Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche.

The arrival of Kadri meant that forward Sean Monahan, who underwent season-ending labrum surgery on his right hip in April, was expendable. The Flames dealt him shortly after the Kadri signing to the Montreal Canadiens along with a conditional first round draft pick. 

Monahan, who has continued his rehabilitation throughout the summer, announced during his introductory media session with the Habs that he fully intends to be ready by the time that training camp rolls around next month. 

"My goal is to be ready for training camp and start the season at the same time as everyone else" - Sean Monahan on his hip injury.

"I've got a lot to prove, and I think the biggest thing is I want to prove it to myself. I know I'm a great player. It's been a rocky road, so I've been working really hard this summer," said Monahan. "On the ice, I feel like myself again and I'm enjoying the game. When you're injured with those kinds of injuries that I've had, it takes a toll on you mentally, and to feel good again and love being on the ice and getting out there and having fun, pushing yourself, it's a good feeling because it's been a while. It's been a long road coming."

Monahan, who was the sixth overall pick by the Flames in the 2013 NHL Draft, has registered a total of 462 points (212 goals, 250 assists) in 656 regular-season games, all with Calgary.