Quote:
Originally Posted by kehatch
Monahan hasn't played a game of pro yet and still needs to prove he is an NHLer. He is also projected by most scouting agencies to be a really good 2-line C.
|
Not the scouting services I bought.
Redline
6. Sean Monahan — Ottawa LC
Highly skilled centre with a large frame and a long reach. Outstanding puckhandler and playmaker with great vision — sees the whole ice and is brilliantly imaginative. Able to hold onto the puck that extra split second to buy time for his linemates to break into open ice, and then threads the needle through traffic off both sides of the blade with feather soft passing touch. Also knows how to finish around net and has a pro shot right now. Dangerous anywhere from the blue line in. Will become more powerful and hard to contain as his body fills out. Strong skating stride with good east-west lateral moves. Good speed and quickness. Takes defensive responsibilities seriously and competes well in his own end. Showed great character by competing his bag off every night on a bad team with no help.
Projection: Playmaking, two-way
first line centre. Style compares to: Ron Francis/Joe Thornton
ISS Scouting Report:
Monohan's vision off the rush is right up there with the best in this years draft class, he shows incredible vision, poise and creativity to create scoring chances. Sean has the ability to find his teammates anywhere in the offensive zone, truly jaw dropping puck mover. He uses every inch of his frame when protecting the puck and shows great poise when in possession of the puck. On the puck pursuit and backhcheck he has shown a knack for forcing turnovers with applied pressure and great stickwork. Fine tuning his stride and consistent game pace will be crucial in making a much more seamless transition into the pro game.
NHL Potential:
Top 6 playmaking center who has great instincts defensively. Must keep feet moving to reach potential
Style compares to: Mikko Koivu
You read those and get 2nd line centre? I don't. Maybe if you've got Crosby ahead of him.
I'd rank Monahan ahead of Baertschi quite easily. I think Monahan has the best upside of any Flames pick we've taken since I started following the draft almost 20 years ago.