If Monahan had been healthy for the World Cup, he would have been the only centre on team North America who was over 50% in the dot.
He has his issues. His lack of intensity is a concern, his lack of physical play on any level is worrisome, and his next off season should be devoted entirely to power skating. He's big enough. Learn to use that size and protect the puck, young man.
Bennett may well be playing with Gaudreau before we know it. I wonder if some time with Brouwer wouldn't be good to get Monahan going.
To answer the question, no, the team cannot be successful long term without an elite #1C. But the same can be said for any team.
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