Monahan has earned the right to stay up individually, but the decision will be based on the 3-5 plan that Feaster and Burke have. When do they foresee the 'window' (to contending) opening and do they want to have an extra year of Monahan's eligibility on his first contract.
If the Flames are sellers this year (and i think they should be), they could be worse next year than this year (depending on FA pickups and what they get in return). If they continue the rebuild and go for younger players (not NHL ready or rookies) then you have Monahan burning two years with the 'window' firmly shut.
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