[Joker]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Agreed, Monahan is here 9+ games, absolutely.

I know it sounds like stupid reasoning to some of you maybe.. But even if he comes in and looks alright, but not like a world-beater, and guys are there that could replace him (vets), I think they'll keep him anyways. Beyond the 9 game mark. And that's because they'll want to sell this new movement with the team to the public, by having future faces like Monahan on there right away. They'll want to put some new sources of excitement on the ice to draw fans and ratings, cause let's face it, ownership and management are at least intellectually honest enough to know that the team won't be very good, despite their "expectations", and will need to draw fans with something, cause winning may not be a frequent thing. Which is okay by me, cause he can be put on a depth role and won't be as exposed as the Edmonton kids were. Can't forget the business side of the organization. And in this case, I think it'll affect the hockey side of things, in that they might put a few guys in that might be slightly premature in doing so. But Monahan is physically in form to handle the rigors of the league I think, at least more so than other options. I get no sense from interviews etc, that they have any different plans for the kid. He'll be here unless he craps the bed entirely.

Not like there's much more he could do at the OHL level anyways. He began to dominate in that league at a young age, and looks as progressed as our prospects 2-3 years older than him, so there's not much concern in the decision from my end.

My problem with this is the 'Nugent-Hopkins' issue. I believe the Oilers actually rushed him into the league and the results were injuries. I saw Monahan at the dev camp, and he still looks a little raw. I would give him the 9, then send him back. No use risking him getting hurt.