Why is it such an outrageous take to say that the Flames MAY continue to have trouble advancing further in the playoffs going forward with our current C depth.
The points that Monahan puts up with Gaudreau are obviously in the highest tier for centre's as has been pointed out again and again, and his goal totals and GWG's can't be argued during the regular season. For me the argument isn't whether or not Monahan is a true #1, it's whether our C depth as a whole is good enough to get it done in the playoffs.
Monahan is a regular season beast in terms of points, specifically goals. But unless he gains more speed or miraculously learns to use his body as a way of shielding the puck and playing more physical when we find ourselves in the playoffs, I also don't see how we go on a deep run without adding another top 6 Centre that plays a heavier game ideally.
I know some people get a blood pressure spike when they feel that someone is attacking Monahan but wouldn't it be ideal for the Flames future playoff chances if we had a 1A/1B centre tandem where the other guy can bring more competitiveness?
C depth of Monahan, Backlund, Jankowski and Ryan worked great for the regular season but other than winning draws they were mostly neutralized by Colorado's C depth in the playoffs.
I personally don't want Lindholm to move from RW to C because he's been the best RW for the top line since Hudler IMO and maybe some flashes from Ferland, which leads me to believe that we aren't going to see a Brodie trade until Tre gets a Center back in return that can hopefully anchor the 2nd line.
With all that being said, Monahan's comments about having to come back next season as a "completely different player" leads me to believe that coaches and management have had a talk with him about becoming more effective. So I fully expect him to work his ass off in his off-season training, hopefully it translates into a quicker and (maybe) more physical player, but that part is rare to see if it's not part of a guy's DNA.
We all want to see this team succeed, I'm just skeptical we can get it done in the playoffs without bolstering this top 6, specifically the C position. A new Centre between Monahan and Backlund on the depth chart would give me much more confidence going into next season.
Im just hoping Tre has his eye on another obscure player that people don't know is available, just like the Lindholm deal. Too bad Kadri didn't work out, but with his history I'm feeling better about the Flames missing out on him by the day.
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