What has Monahan done to deserve getting a look with better wingers higher in the lineup though? Ruzicka has stepped in and seems to have built pretty quick chemistry with Toffoli/Mangiapani, Backlund is our shutdown C with Coleman and Lewis (at least for now) so that leaves Monahan struggling at the bottom of the lineup in a role that he just isn't suited for, despite his great size.
It's unfortunate that it's gotten to this point with Monahan but he's the odd-man out with this roster the way it's put together right now. If the Flames can find a partner and give him an opportunity somewhere else, I'd be all for it. We need the cap space next year but it could be used effectively for rental at the deadline this year. Also sure, there's hesitation because none of us know what a move like this does inside the dressing room if he's traded, but I think we've seen this is a mentally strong group with Sutter behind the bench this year and I just don't have the same concerns.
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