[InternationalVillager]

I think you need to replace the leaders - Gio and Backlund.

Monahan needs to be groomed to take Backlund's role. Simple as that. This organization screwed up Bennett's development when he had more raw skill than Monahan BECAUSE of Backlund. He complained to management that he wanted a scoring/top 6 role and associated ice time. He did not want the third line role so Bennett was relegated to never having a top 6 center opportunity because they sure weren't playing Monahan on the 3rd line.

Now that they're playing Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk, it's time to move on from Backlund and play Monahan as the 2C which is what Sutter called him.

Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk
XXXXXX-Monahan-XXXXXX
Dube-XXXXXXXX-Mangiapane
Lucic-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX

I think that this team is 2 - top 6 forwards, a 3rd line C (who should NOT be getting paid 5M) and a couple 4th line higher skilled vets to round out the bottom 6.

I think the Flames should go after Hoffman. He is a proven goal scorer and will help improve the Powerplay. He has a wicked shot.