Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
How would this be a good move? I understand that the Flames need better play from their centers, but the problem in my opinion isn't so much about the quantity as it is about the quality. Playing PLD, Monahan, Lindholm, Backlund 15 minutes a night without any winger depth doesn't seem ideal to me.
Instead, playing your 3 top centers 16-18 minutes paired with an elite winger is much better. Gaudreau was 4th in Hart Trophy voting less than 2 years ago and has been integral to the team's success since he arrived. Without him, I don't think the Flames even make the playoffs.
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Way harder to find a dominant centre than an offensive dynamo on the wing.
In an ideal world you could even consider flipping Monahan in a separate trade for a winger (Perhaps there could be something around Monahan-Huberdeau, who was rumored to be looking for a move last season?)
Even without that the problem you mention is easily solved by keeping Lindy on the wing, where he had his career best season.
Just an example:
Tkachuk-PLD-Lindy
Mangiapane-Monahan-Dube
Bennett-Backlund-Pelletier
IMO that is superior to the current core with Gaudreau, or to a Monahan-less team subbing in PLD.