Flames are missing 14-15 Hudler.
Monahan especially.
A long playoffs, where he got the crap kicked out of him (Regher in the LA clincher too), seems to have had him probably rest more in the offseason, and then not in top game shape from the start of the year...which leads to more injuries as we're seeing.
Monahan looks frustrated out there, as he's used to JG and Hudler out there with him, and now its him, JG and Mr. X (currently Ferland). With Hudler's injury issues, Hudler only has had flashses, and can't keep up with those guys due to above mentioned conditioning and then the injuries from that, yet he is still the skilled vet that those guys need. Monahan is looking for that pass either to, or from, the linemate that isn't Hudler, and it's not working and then he tries to hard to do it himself.
Far too early for making any proclamations on Ferland long term. He's got a long way to go mentally, skill wise, and physically, done on a consistent basis, to be a legit NHL top 6 forward. As per Bouma, that style is tough to play game in and game out, and I think Bouma's a better overall hockey player.
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