After last night, I'll say that I'd be willing to give Stajan a fresh slate (in my mind) if he can show the kind of poise and impact on the ice like he did in that game through the course of this season.
I was counting the days until he would no longer wear the flaming C, but perhaps he could reinvent himself with a solid, productive season by stepping up and being a leader on a rebuilding group.
Last night he made Brad Richards look like a rookie. That's a good start, at least.
As for Monahan, I'd like to see him stay. If he goes, the middle of the ice again will look overly small and inexperienced (converted wingers). I think he is most certainly able to step in and instantly gives us some respectable size and promise down the middle. Also I think he's one of those rare kind of 18/19 year olds who can read the game so well and is mature beyond his years. He's continually produced through penticton, camp and the exhibitions. I don't think it's a stretch to think that he can elevate his offense once he starts settling into his role on the big club, despite the fact that he is already producing above expectations. He's extremely consistent in that regard. I think it would carry over, whether he gets one more season in an inferior league or not.
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