[Beninho]

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.

I have to disagree, second half Monahan was great last season as his back injury seemed to be lingering. Playoff Monahan was even better and I think saying Monahan "may improve" is far too pessimistic. He's 22 and has scored 107 goals in his first 4 seasons. Yes there are aspects to his game that he needs to work on but I still can't believe people underrate him, he easily could be a 40 goal center with just slight improvements.