Speaking of history, Monahan was awestruck by the iconic images of the countless Hall of Famers that hang above the players' stalls.
The 27-year-old Brampton, ON native checked out the adjacent facilities as well while proudly sporting his fresh No. 91 jersey.
"The history really hit me. There are a lot of pictures of important people who came through this organization. To see the people who carved the way and made that path for everybody else to make this such a special place to play, it's pretty surreal," said Monahan, a three-time 30-goal scorer with 656 regular-season games on his resume. "And then stepping out into the bowl, even with a concert set-up going on, I know what it feels like coming out from the other side. Being on the away team, coming to play here, I would still get goosebumps, so I can only imagine what it's like going out there with the Canadiens sweater on."
If Monahan's recovery from hip surgery continues to trend in the right direction, he could experience that magical moment in the season opener on October 12 in Montreal.
That also happens to be his birthday, so hopefully the stars align.
"I can taste it. I'm almost getting goosebumps right now. It's my birthday, it's the home opener, and we're playing the Leafs. That's my goal, to be out there playing at a high level and doing what I can to help this team win hockey games," emphasized Monahan. "It would be a great gift for Britt and for my family. That's what I'm shooting for. Playing the Leafs on my birthday in the opener at the Bell Centre is pretty crazy to think about."