[MissTeeks]

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/colum.../dp160518.html

The Calgary Flames know how important center Sean Monahan is to their organization's future success, and by all accounts, they've relayed that message to the rising star. Now, it's time to put their money where their mouth is.

Monahan, 21, is coming off of his three-year, entry-level contract and can become a restricted free agent July 1. He's coming off of back-to-back 60+ point seasons, and has scored 22 goals, 31 goals and 27 goals in each of his last three years, respectively. Those are some pretty solid numbers, and they'll result in a hefty raise.

But the two sides haven't gotten down to the nitty-gritty negotiations just yet, and Monahan's agent, Pat Morris, told me on Wednesday they are "not very far along."

"There's been lots of general chatter, but we are not down to specifics," he said.

"I just don't know where they're coming from yet, other than a strong expression that they want to get Sean signed."

"Time is always on the player's side," Morris said, "but they chose not to do an extension (during the season or last summer), as some teams have done with their young players."

Monahan wants a long-term contract, presumably in the six-to-eight year range, and could command around $6 million per season. Again, term and dollars haven't really been discussed, to date.

"That's all going to depend on what Calgary's thinking," Morris said, in reference to a long-term extension, adding that a short-term bridge contract is "not likely."
"He enjoys Calgary and certainly has excelled there. He wants the relationship to continue."