[trackercowe]

I hope people don't think I am bringing up this discussion too early, but I was talking to a couple of friends and this subject came up. Both of them (being Oiler fans) assumed Feaster would rush Monahan to the NHL next season, and not give him any more time to brush up his skills in Ottawa. Also of course if he plays more than 9 games the Flames will be burning off a year of his entry level contract. Since then I have been wavering back on forth on the subject as both sides have advantages and disadvantages.

If the Flames decide to leave him in junior for another year he could brush up his skills, continue to establish a leadership role in Ottawa (even if the team isn't very good), and potentially play in the World Juniors. There he could learn a thing or two from Brent Sutter, who excels at coaching junior talent. It also would push the Flames back a year from taking that year off his ELC. Although it doesn't seem like the 67's will be any better next season, but I suppose he could always be traded to another team in the latter half of the season.

Then of course the Flames could also bring him to the NHL this season. Let's face it; Monahan is likely already a top six player on the Flames. He could also possibly be our best option at center right now, even better than both Stajan and Backlund. Unlike many rookies who find themselves in the NHL at such a young age he could get a ton of playing time right off the bat, and play in pretty much every situation. He seems to have the mindset of an NHLer already, so being put into the league might not affect him like it does other players his age. Of course the Flames are also going through a rebuild, and Monahan for now could very well be the center piece of the rebuild, so why bother keeping him longer in the OHL then he has to?

Generally I have always been opposed to rushing draft picks to the majors in their first year, unless the team knows for a certainty that he's NHL ready (Crosby, Mackinnon, Jones), but it sure is enticing to play Monahan this year when he'd easily make our top six. However for now I think I am leaning towards the prospect of giving him one more year in juniors before bringing him up. There are just too many historical examples of players faring poorly when being put in the same situation, especially in this case if he is relied upon too heavily. Also do we really want to join the likes of the Oilers, Islanders, and Thrashers/Jets who generally rush their prospects to the NHL before they're ready and are forced to deal with negative ramifications because of it?

Now I assume the decision won’t be made until after training camp and that in all likelihood Monahan will get a 9 game tryout; so in a way it’s impossible to make a clear decision right now. But with what we already know, and can expect to happen in the next couple months, does Monahan make the Flames next season?

Once again sorry if I am bringing the discussion up so early, but I don’t think anyone can remember the last time they were this excited about a Flames prospect so early after the draft.