Monahan has proven to be clutch over the years, i would argue evidenced in part by his OT goals.
You don’t trade a guy with his scoring ability and cap hit, plus self awareness and commitment to improvement, if you can instead put them in a position to succeed
Gaudreau is small and Monahan is not overly physical. So is the answer more speed, physicality, or a good all around two way forward? Or to divide their talents? Depends on a lot of things, including the coach and the D, partly
Put Tkachuk on their wing? Is he actually physical, or just irritating? I see him as having good sense and hands. Certainly not the most fleet of foot but a smart player. That’s why he works well with Backlund, who is a rock solid 2 way Center, shifty and can carry the puck, plus Mang who plays with pace.
It’s a staffing and mix issue. They have the players IMO to do well. They have done well with a much worse roster
Coach, it’s your job. Earn your paycheque
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