Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
Johnny Hockey lacks courage when the games get physical. That isn't something you can teach. Intestinal fortitude only comes from within. Because of that I would be inclined to move him, especially if they can find another forward in free agency to fill in the top six. If the Flames can snag Hall or Toffoli, then you deal Gaudreau and try to address the issues of a young center with potential and a top four defenseman. I think this is doable and it makes the team better now, and in the future.
I don't move Monahan, regardless of what people thought of his play this season. He's still the Flames best center by a huge margin, is coachable, and is willing to do whatever it takes. Plus, you don't move a player until you have something to back fill that position. The centers available in free agency can't fill Monhan's role, so moving him right now would be a mistake.
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You had me right up until you said Monahan was “willing to do whatever it takes”. Yikes. That couldn’t be more wrong. When the going gets tough I see Monahan whither away. Sure he hit a little bit more this playoffs, but he absolutely steadfast refuses to play true playoff hockey and that is precisely part of line 1’s main issue.
After a whistle scrum you’ll see Monahan wander up close to another player and stand there to pretend like he’s interested in protecting teammates but not actually do anything. Every. Time. You ever see him block shots? You ever see that intestinal fortitude you think Gaudreau lacks? They both severely lack it. Monahan is the most overrated player on this site in years. He has a tremendous shot and can get the puck up at ungodly angles... and that’s... that’s about it. To win a cup you need way, way, way, way, way more from your #1 C.