Even though his cap hit didn't reflect his play, I didn't hate the idea of keeping Lucic around. He has been a pleasant surprise and the fear factor of having him in the lineup makes a bit of a difference.
After these playoffs, I'm more than ready to move on from him. He doesn't have the pace to play at this level anymore. The only notable thing he did was have a conversation with Benn.
I don't know how it happens but the Flames desperately need his cap hit.
It seems there's always knee jerk reactions after a season in which certain types of teams have success (We have to get bigger, we have to get faster etc etc) The Flames were beaten by 3 things in round 2. Themselves, McDavid and team speed.
It's a weird thing to say after the fact, but the Oilers, for whatever reason this season are not a great matchup for the Flames, but the Flames I think matchup well against Colorado. I think that would have been a good series. But I also think Colorado will steamroll Edmonton, with McDavid singlehandedly winning a game or 2.
TLdr It's crazy that Lucic and Monahan make up 12 million in cap space. I would try desperately to move on from Lucic, and do the best you can to figure out if a bionically repaired Monahan can regain his form. If you think he could do better elsewhere you try to make that move too.
Easier said than done.
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