Quote:
Originally Posted by djsFlames
I still see Monahan as a solid 2nd line center for the team. Unless he shows more attributes to his game (he's got great attributes already, but you wouldn't exactly call him flashy) then that's where he's likely headed.
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Why do the attributes Monahan possesses have to be flashy in order to be a #1 center? I think you are selling Monahan a little bit short here. He already has qualities some #1 centers in this league lack - size, scoring touch, a smooth skating stride, along with playmaking/faceoff abilities he has yet to show in the NHL, but will eventually get to showcase like he did in junior.
IMO there is a little too much emphasis on pure skill + flash rather than substance when it comes to talking about centers. It is difficult to find players who have both - the ones with flashy skill (ie. RNH, Sedin, Giroux) produce the offense a #1 center should, but the other aspects of their games hinder them especially come playoff time. And the centers that don't have the "flash" a #1 center should and don't produce as much, but excel at everything else (Bergeron, Toews, Krejci) are the ones who seem to have more playoff success.
I easily see Monahan in the latter group of those centers - which is fine by me and is the reason why I have confidence that a Monahan/Bennett tandem could outplay a Crosby/Malkin tandem going to war in a playoff series, or in the future whichever line McDavid plays on.