Quote:
Originally Posted by kehatch
I think most people are looking at Duchene as a supplement to our top 6, probably as a winger. Given the probably acquisition cost and salary I don't think that makes sense. Not with Monahan/Backlund as your centres, Jankowski/Bennett in reserve, and Gaudreau/Tkachuk/Frolik on the wing.
The only way Duchene makes sense is as our number 1 centre. The top centre for the cup winners since the lockout have been Crosby, Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar, Getzlaf, vintage Staal, and vintage Datsyuk. The centres for the Vegas odds favorites this season are Crosby, McDavid, and Toews.
Those are all players with elite two way games (Toews, Bergeron) or consistent PPG seasons. In some cases both. I love Monahan, but he doesn't currently belong on that list. Do we legitimately have a chance to win a cup without an elite top centre?
That said, Monahan is young and may improve. He isn't all that far behind where Toews was in his development at a similar age. Also, is Duchene a player that belongs on the list? I think most here would would say no. But if the Flames don't think Monahan or Bennett is going to be an elite 1C expect them to look at guys like Duchene, Tavares, and anyone else that becomes available.
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First of all, I personally believe Monahan is a better all-around center than Duchene. Full stop.
Secondly, you have mentioned Duchene and Tavares in the same breath as possible #1 centers that can become available. I don't see how Duchene is anywhere in that conversation for elite centers, let alone legitimate #1 centers.
He's much better suited to the wing, but plays center in Colorado because they have horrible center depth. He's a passable 2nd line center, but it's not his strength. The team that trades for him will either have horrible center depth and use him as a 2nd line center, or they will use him as a top winger.