I actually see this as the complete opposite. Habs have never committed to a rebuild since 1994. Its always been sign UFAs to plug holes and live in no mans land making the playoffs as a 6,7,8 seed and not being a true contender but also not picking high enough for a chance at elite talent. Monahan has been fantastic, but hes a UFA at years end, rumor has it the one year contract was with another promise to trade him to a contender if habs werent in playoff contention. Why wouldnt they acquire assets to help the franchise? This doesnt mean they cant sign him o\in the off season, and if another team offers him a lot more years and money then maybe its best with his injury history.
Moves like this are the reason they may actually have a contender for the first time since '93, in my opinion.