Sean Monahan - Expectations for 2014/2015

[bluck]

After quite an impressive rookie campaign Monahan looks to go into this season avoiding a sophomore slump. What are your expectations for him this season? How many points do you think he hits? Will be one of the go to players on this team?

I feel that Monahan will avoid the so call dreaded "sophomore slump" and here's why.

1. He has really focussed on his off season training. I've heard he has bulked about 10-15 pounds and has been able to not only keep his speed but get faster, that makes a huge difference for any player.

2. I think people outside of Calgary underestimate how much of an influence Big Ern has had on Monahan. These guys are best friends outside of the rink and are always hanging around each other. Pretty evident after Monahan got a tattoo. You just have to follow their instagrams to find that out. I think training and hanging around McGrattan has not only made Monahan a more social person and taken him out of his shell but also has increased his overall toughness.

3. Monahan will be a top 6 centre for this team going into this year. In fact many would argue he would be our number 1 centre starting the season especially with Backlund out. He will get to play with top 6 players and will be given every opportunity and all the ice time he needs to succeed. From what I've seen in the pre season it looks like he will relish the opportunity. He looked like a force out there yesterday against the Jets. I could easily see him getting 50 points this season if not more.

What are your expectations for Monahan this season? Are you impressed with his development and growth? Looking forward to hearing some comments.

Cheers

[codynw]

Hart trophy or bust.

[Ozy_Flame]

Now that you called it that he won't, he most certainly will suffer from the dreaded sophomore slump.

Shame on you.

[dissentowner]

I expect similiar numbers to last season, maybe a small increase. He will continue to improve but at his age I don't think we see huge number improvements yet.

[killer_carlson]

20 goals, 50 points. If he hits 25 goals, it's a win. Under 20 it's a loss.

[DOOM]

45-50 points. He may not score as many goals, but I think he should be able to get more assists.

[calgarygeologist]

50 points for sure.

[Huntingwhale]

Hopefully he stays healthy the whole year, improves his faceoffs, gets more PK time and continues forth with a great effort. I dont' care about his point totals. I do care about him becoming a more complete player and will be satisfied if he continues down that path.

Having said that, I would not be surprised if his goals/point totals were something like 25G/20A. But like Hartley said, coaches around the league are going to have his name circled now so I wouldn't be surprised either if he had somewhat of an offensive slump.

[skudr248]

To think this guy is only 19 as well... the future of the Flames is bright

[formulate]

Like Backlund he seems to have learned to hold on the the puck for that extra second. That, combined with increased strength and already very good decision-making should lead to more assists. Possession numbers should go up as well. He's already showing to be better on faceoffs than last season, hovering around 50% would be a great sign for the future. His assertiveness will likely lead to a few more penalty minutes, which I wouldn't take as a bad thing.

Can't wait to watch his continued progression!

[bluloc]

93 goals good for 216 points.

[The Fonz]

20 goals, 20 assists, along with improved D-zone play and improved faceoff%.

[GreenLantern2814]

25/25, playing in all situations. Of course, if he goes 30/30 II'm not going to be shocked.

I continue to stand by my assertion that Monahan will score 50 goals in this league at some point.

[Jacks]

I hope he does hang out with Gratz all the time, that would mean he's not doing the club/drinking thing that a lot of young millionaires get sucked into.

Same goals and a few more assists than last year would be nice, anything more is a bonus.

[Vinny01]

I wouldn't be shocked it the dreaded sophomore slump occurs. I suspect him to face much tougher assignments this year. Having said that the way he has played in the preseason leads me to believe he is poised to continue his rise to stardom. 50-60pts is likely in my opinion. I also see him potentially wearing an "A" sooner than later and increasing his physical play

[Locke]

He exceeded my expectations last season so I'd be happy with more or less the same this year with an improved +/-.

[Bourque's Twin]

Monahan was my choice in the "Boom and Bust" thread as this year's boom.

I think he'll score 30+ goals this year.

Glencross was my bust in case anyone was curious...

[Clever_Iggy]

Personally, I'm going to be less focused on goal and point totals. His +/-, defensive play and faceoffs last year needed work and therefore, I am most curious how he improves there. Physical battles will be another area I'd like to see improvement.

Monahan is slowly going to start taking more defensive zone shifts, against top lines and will be asked to do more generally. A point/goal total decline, IMO, is nearly inevitable. However, if he improves on areas of weakness and continues to grow as an overall centerman with coaches and management (which, admittedly, will be difficult for the fan-observer to appreciate), I think that's a good second year.

[RyZ]

20 - 30 - 50

[You Need a Thneed]

Conn Smythe trophy.