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Originally Posted by kehatch
Agree on Monahan. Moving him to the wing doesn't make sense. If your doing that, better to trade him. That said, I think a trade at this point is unlikely.
Personally I would put Monahan and Gaudreau on an offensively focused line with lots of O zone starts. Stop playing them against the other teams top lines. Give them the underbelly instead.
Lines revolving around Tkachuk, Backlund, and Lindholm can take the tough starts and finish above water.
I will never understand why Ward started our top line primarily in the defensive zone during the playoffs. Between that and the Talbot pull I really hope he learned something and is ready to do better.
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I have been saying this for awhile, I believe if you can put Gaudreau against other teams lesser lines your going to gain an advantage. Monahan and Gaudreau are offensive players who don't give you the intensity, drive and physicality that might you need against the oppositions top line. Teams know if they play a physical game against Gaudreau, he is probably going to shy away; Especially if he is lacking the speed and agility he has displayed in the past. We need a top line with an identity, one that drives the play, drives the team, and gives a consistent effort.
Very good offensive players, but I just don't see Gaudreau and Monahan as the top line guys to lead the team.