[News] Article: Monahan and Gaudreau are the next elite NHL duo

[Crumpy-Gunt]

Originally Posted by GoJetsGo

Not buying this at all. If anything it would be just as fair to say that Jiri and Johnny wouldn't have the same amount of points without Monahan.

I completely disagree. Having jiri and Johnny on our team has helped a lot of players offensively. If you can't admit Sean is a beneficiary of a lot of tape to tape brilliant passes and vision and just Having more space due to the 2 speedy wizards on his line then I don't know what to say. You actually think if anything it's mony boosting the other twos scoring? All I can do is laugh at that.

Having Johnny and jiri on a line would open up space for any player. I could see ovie having a career year with these 2. They open up ice and then find the perfect pass at the perfect time. But sure it's not playing into Sean's numbers at all. In fact they need Sean to get these assists...nobody else could pot those goals..

Monahan is good. But he isnt the one boosting stats for gaudreau and hudler it's probably the other way around. We're such homers sometimes we can't even look honestly at our team and players. Sean isn't in the same world as toews even when toews was 21. Toews at the same age could play with Byron and granlund and out score Sean. He out scored Sean in 64 games in his sophomore season. I personally don't think he has what it takes to be comparable to arguable the best player on the planet. It's unfair to Sean.

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by Crumpy-Gunt

I completely disagree. Having jiri and Johnny on our team has helped a lot of players offensively. If you can't admit Sean is a beneficiary of a lot of tape to tape brilliant passes and vision and just Having more space due to the 2 speedy wizards on his line then I don't know what to say. You actually think if anything it's mony boosting the other twos scoring? All I can do is laugh at that.

Having Johnny and jiri on a line would open up space for any player. I could see ovie having a career year with these 2. They open up ice and then find the perfect pass at the perfect time. But sure it's not playing into Sean's numbers at all. In fact they need Sean to get these assists...nobody else could pot those goals..

Monahan is good. But he isnt the one boosting stats for gaudreau and hudler it's probably the other way around. We're such homers sometimes we can't even look honestly at our team and players. Sean isn't in the same world as toews even when toews was 21. Toews at the same age could play with Byron and granlund and out score Sean. He out scored Sean in 64 games in his sophomore season. I personally don't think he has what it takes to be comparable to arguable the best player on the planet. It's unfair to Sean.

Wow, this is just all over the place. Seems like some hidden disdain for Monahan coupled with obtusity honestly.

I was very clearly implying that Monahan was an integral part of that top line and not a passenger or beneficiary as you were skeptically suggesting.

All three of those players made each other better.

Monahan has been a revelation for this team at a young age and is arguably one of - if not the - best player from his draft year. He is a #1 Centre at a very young age, and an extremely promising young player. He doesn't need to be compared to anyone to have these impressive attributes appreciated.

With that last paragraph you seem to be taking the article and comparison way, way too literally and seem to have some underlaying spite festering. No one is being a "homer" acknowledging how good Sean Monahan has been early in his career.

[MrMastodonFarm]

In the regular season Monahan drove that line
In the playoffs it was Gaudreau

He had 22 goals as a 19 year old rookie without those two the season before and had started to heat up playing alongside Glencross and Jones before that trio was put together.

[saillias]

Originally Posted by Crumpy-Gunt

I completely disagree. Having jiri and Johnny on our team has helped a lot of players offensively. If you can't admit Sean is a beneficiary of a lot of tape to tape brilliant passes and vision and just Having more space due to the 2 speedy wizards on his line then I don't know what to say. You actually think if anything it's mony boosting the other twos scoring? All I can do is laugh at that.

Having Johnny and jiri on a line would open up space for any player. I could see ovie having a career year with these 2. They open up ice and then find the perfect pass at the perfect time. But sure it's not playing into Sean's numbers at all. In fact they need Sean to get these assists...nobody else could pot those goals..

Monahan is good. But he isnt the one boosting stats for gaudreau and hudler it's probably the other way around. We're such homers sometimes we can't even look honestly at our team and players. Sean isn't in the same world as toews even when toews was 21. Toews at the same age could play with Byron and granlund and out score Sean. He out scored Sean in 64 games in his sophomore season. I personally don't think he has what it takes to be comparable to arguable the best player on the planet. It's unfair to Sean.

You would think Johnny and Hudler are the perfect hockey players from your praise but they have their deficiencies too. When your wingers are 5'8" and 5'10" there is not a lot of physical battles won in the offensive zone, and they aren't throwing the body or powering through guys. They could go entire shifts without touching the puck, and to pull their weight as a line they have to make their chances count when they do get possession IE shoot at a really high %. So yes they definitely benefit from a centre who can shoot 15%.

I think ideally that line should be split up as we get more skill in the lineup because none of those 3 are going to make power moves or physically dominate anyone.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

In the regular season Monahan drove that line
In the playoffs it was Gaudreau

He had 22 goals as a 19 year old rookie without those two the season before and had started to heat up playing alongside Glencross and Jones before that trio was put together.

Both Monahan and Hudler were injured going into the playoffs. Monahan was primarily a shot in his first season. Last year he added some of the playmaking he was known for in junior. I expect next season he'll be even more of a playmaker and will add a physical dimension to his game after another off-season of working out. His speed picked up last season and I expect he's working on his skating again this summer. I think it would be foolish to put a ceiling on his play this early in his career.

[Crumpy-Gunt]

Originally Posted by GoJetsGo

Wow, this is just all over the place. Seems like some hidden disdain for Monahan coupled with obtusity honestly.

I was very clearly implying that Monahan was an integral part of that top line and not a passenger or beneficiary as you were skeptically suggesting.

All three of those players made each other better.

Monahan has been a revelation for this team at a young age and is arguably one of - if not the - best player from his draft year. He is a #1 Centre at a very young age, and an extremely promising young player. He doesn't need to be compared to anyone to have these impressive attributes appreciated.

With that last paragraph you seem to be taking the article and comparison way, way too literally and seem to have some underlaying spite festering. No one is being a "homer" acknowledging how good Sean Monahan has been early in his career.

Hidden disdain? Lol I made it clear I hope I am wrong and I wish I am wrong. He's from my hometown and I hope he becomes a bigger story than Rick Nash. He isn't as good as people thing YET. He isn't a number 1 centre. He is our first line c. There's a difference.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by Crumpy-Gunt

Hidden disdain? Lol I made it clear I hope I am wrong and I wish I am wrong. He's from my hometown and I hope he becomes a bigger story than Rick Nash. He isn't as good as people thing YET. He isn't a number 1 centre. He is our first line c. There's a difference.

He's a 1st line centre on a playoff team. That better?

Suitable name by the way.

[EldrickOnIce]

Obtusity is a word that requires greater usage.

[the2bears]

Originally Posted by Crumpy-Gunt

I completely disagree. Having jiri and Johnny on our team has helped a lot of players offensively. If you can't admit Sean is a beneficiary of a lot of tape to tape brilliant passes and vision and just Having more space due to the 2 speedy wizards on his line then I don't know what to say. You actually think if anything it's mony boosting the other twos scoring? All I can do is laugh at that.

Did you even read what you commented on? Your interpretation is indeed "bag over head" worthy.

[Crumpy-Gunt]

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

He's a 1st line centre on a playoff team. That better?

Suitable name by the way.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Crumpy-Gunt

...He isn't as good as people thing YET. He isn't a number 1 centre. He is our first line c. There's a difference.

I'm eager to hear about that difference, and by what metric Monahan would possibly not qualify as a top-line centre.

He was #20 among centremen in the NHL this past season, and #10 in the WC. He was also #3 in goalscoring among centres in the WC. Does he benefit some from great chemistry he has found playing with Gaudreau and Hudler? Of course. Does every single one of the other players among this group of elite players also benefit from the quality of his line mates? You're damn right, they do.

Monahan is only 20-years-old. When Toews was 20 (NOT 21), he similarly benefitted from playing with Patrick Kane on his wing. Monahan is already one of the top centres in the NHL, and he is likely to get even better in the next few years.

[TX_Flame]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Monahan is only 20-years-old. When Toews was 20 (NOT 21), he similarly benefitted from playing with Patrick Kane on his wing.

And Patrick Sharp on the other wing was no slouch either.

[Calgary4LIfe]

It amazes me how some people can be down a bit on Monahan or think he isn't legit. I remember leading up to the draft, I waffled a lot on what the Flames should do and who they should pick. I wanted them to package up something huge for MacKinnon. I wanted them to trade up and take Barkov. I wanted Lindholm over Monahan, and maybe even Nichushkin.

Now there isn't a single player I would trade Monahan for. Sure, any of those players (and some others) may end up better, but there is absolutely nobody that has:

1) Done this well
AND
2) Shown steady improvement

Monahan just keeps getting better. There is no regression in this kid's game. He is a leader already, he is horribly underrated as a playmaker, not many kids score 30 goals in the NHL at his age, and he is AMAZING defensively. Seriously - for a 20 year old kid, he is simply AMAZING at both ends of the rink. He isn't a Selke candidate yet - and Backlund is still a much better defensive center at the moment - but Monahan has really closed that gap leaps and bounds over the course of a single season.

You challenge Monahan, he gets it done.

I just find it a bit perplexing that some people are trying to insinuate that Monahan isn't 'legit' yet. Get used to it - the Flames' #1 center has arrived, and now the watch begins in regards as to IF he keeps it or gets displaced by another potential star in Bennett. His 30 goals, tough minutes, and solid 2-way play says he is legitimate.

There is nothing wrong with stating that Monahan is the benefiting from playing with Hudler and Gaudreau. So what? I love Backlund, but I don't think Backlund gives you the same scoring as Monahan at that spot. Conversely, Gaudreau and Hudler are benefiting from Monahan's ability to find those open areas and get high-quality shots away quickly and accurately. This is called synergy. Elite lines have synergy. It isn't just about throwing 3 talented guys on one line, or Gretzky - Hull would have murdered the NHL together. It is about 3 guys who are able to play so effectively together. It takes quite high hockey IQ to have synergy as a trio. Usually you see it with 2 pieces with the third being easily replaceable, but not this trio.

[Hackey]

Monahan is a great player compared to the entire league. Compared to his age group he is one of the best. Were very lucky to have him and like you said he has only proven people wrong in his first 2 season. Made the team. Excelled. Improved throughout the season. No sophmore slump. Continued to improve and round out his game. No reason to think he won't do some more of the same. I think because he lacks flash to his game people undervalue him. I'll take a steady consistent guy who does everyright right over a speedy scorer with dangles who has holes in his game.

[Darkwater]

Monahan has that rock steady feel to him. He'll do anything, work on anything, and go 110% on anything. You win with guys like him. I think he'll reach 40 goals a few times (hopefully more!!!) and will be a 60+ performer for years to come.

Anyone out there who thinks Monahan isn't a bonafide #1 centre is kidding themselves. He's exactly what you hope for.

[PepsiFree]

Maybe people are worried about calling Monahan a bonafide #1 center because (unless you are an Oilers fan) I think a lot of hockey fans don't like to celebrate something until there is no doubt they have it. Give Monahan another season or two and those who've questioned his ability will fade. Great #1 center. Happy to have him and Bennett down the middle for the foreseeable future. Johnny is an added bonus. How have the Flames had such amazing draft luck so suddenly?

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Maybe people are worried about calling Monahan a bonafide #1 center because (unless you are an Oilers fan) I think a lot of hockey fans don't like to celebrate something until there is no doubt they have it. Give Monahan another season or two and those who've questioned his ability will fade. Great #1 center. Happy to have him and Bennett down the middle for the foreseeable future. Johnny is an added bonus. How have the Flames had such amazing draft luck so suddenly?

Besides revamping their approach a few years ago, I'd say we were just plain due after 20 years of mostly nothing. Basically a combination of some good luck for a change and a philosophy focused on skill and IQ instead of size and brawn. I am having a hard time getting used to it too... but I think I'll manage lol.

[Strange Brew]

I will give Crumpy Grunt some credit for not taking a total homerific view of things. It makes this place a little more interesting. Other posters have mentioned they wouldn't trade Monahan for any other player in the league which to me is more outlandish than anything CG said.

My personal view is that Monahan looks like he can develop into a player worthy of being a #1C on a Stanley Cup contending team. That is good enough for me.

[hockey.modern]

It still exciting with all our successs from these two players and what the team has done so far, we still have our best prospect who essentially is supposed to better than both gaudreau and monahan play his rookie year this season. The 1-2 punch will be very good for years to come with Monahan & Bennett.

[Hackey]

Not to mention I'm pretty sure we're yet to see the full potential of all of our young players. Hopefully the progression only continues. The team is really shaping up nicely.