Should Monahan be released to the WJC

[Azhouse]

Yes.

[scottish_flame]

Yes he should. We shouldn't get in the way of him possibly winning a medal for his national team

[TurdFerguson]

100% - I really can't imagine, given the current circumstances how its much of a decision at all. Being a part, and a big part at that, of a Canadian WJC team can be a huge development and personal character development piece for a kid. Let him go and compete (and win) on a world scale. Let him feel what its like to be one of the go-to players on a team with the pressure of Team Canada. He'll be better for having gone through it, and hopefully succeeding.

A couple weeks away from the losing Flames is not really a blow to his development in my eyes, he may even resent the Flames if they don't let him go.

[Ashasx]

I think players struggle when they return from the WJC. Unless he's struggling significantly in a couple weeks, he shouldn't go.

[troutman]

No, he belongs here.

[Matty81]

I'm in the no camp. I think if we were in any other country we wouldn't even be discussing it. Playing against the best players on the planet while competing for the calder is way better for his development than playing in an ECHL level of competition at best draft and prospect showcase that tsn has hyped the crap out of in Canada - not much of a choice objectively.

[Street Pharmacist]

Ok not sure what the WJC has to offer. Unless he really wanted to go, but I bet he'd rather stay

[Tyler]

So a lot of you are arguing for him to:

- abandon his push for the Calder trophy
- remove himself from the best competition in the world to only the best U20 competition in the world
- not have any guarantees regarding playing time, linemates or even making the team
- give up untold thousands of dollars of NHL salary

just so you can watch him at some ungodly hour on Boxing Day play against the mighty German national team? Are you guys all nuts??!?

The WJC is a tournament for junior players. Sean is one of the BEST players on our NHL team. There is nothing for him to gain by going to Sweden.

[LouCypher]

I am almost on the fence here. Before the season I would have thought without a doubt that is the best thing for him. Might still be, but on the Flames he is not to far off from being our best player already. I dont know if it would really hurt to keep him but if he can go to the WJC and be a key guy on the team then if should only benefit him long term.

[FlameZilla]

It should be up to him.

[scottish_flame]

Originally Posted by Tyler

So a lot of you are arguing for him to:

- abandon his push for the Calder trophy
- remove himself from the best competition in the world to only the best U20 competition in the world
- not have any guarantees regarding playing time, linemates or even making the team
- give up untold thousands of dollars of NHL salary

just so you can watch him at some ungodly hour on Boxing Day play against the mighty German national team? Are you guys all nuts??!?

The WJC is a tournament for junior players. Sean is one of the BEST players on our NHL team. There is nothing for him to gain by going to Sweden.

I think it would be good for him to go. He would be expected to be a more "veteran" player for team Canada and I think it would be good to see how he does with a bit more leadership duties

[lazypucker]

Did Monahan play at the WJC before? If the answer is yes, then keep him in the NHL. If not, let him go. It will be a huge disappointment for Sean if Team Canada picks you and your parent (club) won't let you go...

[ricardodw]

What is the history of NHL guys that left their NHL teams to go play in the WJC?


Off the top of my head there was Burns, Pietroangelo, Oscar Moller and RNH (due to the strike).

Burns and Pietroangelo turned out well although Pietroangelo was sent back to juniors after 2 years of 9 games stints (not to burn a year of his ELC).

Other than RHN Mohanhan would have the most NHL experience of anyone playing in the WJC... The other guys had a much smaller role on their NHL team.


If Monahan plays in the WJC it greatly reduce Jankowski's chances to play. I know it doesn't come down to a choice between Monahan and Jankowski but as a Flames fan I would much rather see Jankowski on the roster.

[CaramonLS]

After having some crappy year with Ottawa (not making the playoffs) and no better outlook for the Flames anytime soon, it might be really good to get him some experience in higher pressure situations and remember what winning is like.

He hasn't had a shot at playing for his country yet. If he wants to do that, send him.

[Erick Estrada]

I personally don't care either way. It should be left up to him. If playing for Team Canada is a dream of his and he really wants it the Flames should let him go but if he would rather stay in the NHL then stay.

[Saqe]

I´d love to see him play in the WJC. Good chance he would come back as a happy camper.

[timbit]

Has displayed a sharp learning curve...
Playing big minutes in the best league in the world.
Producing well, showing leadership and playing confidently.
Why change anything?
What is Sean going to get better at while playing at WJC?

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by lazypucker

Did Monahan play at the WJC before? If the answer is yes, then keep him in the NHL. If not, let him go. It will be a huge disappointment for Sean if Team Canada picks you and your parent (club) won't let you go...

Not as big a disappointment as sending him back to juniors after 9 games and not burning a year of his ELC. The Flames gave him a Million dollar Christmas present plus whatever he can earn in performance bonuses.

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by scottish_flame

I think it would be good for him to go. He would be expected to be a more "veteran" player for team Canada and I think it would be good to see how he does with a bit more leadership duties

The guy was the captain of his junior team last year. He HAS proven leadership duties at that level. Let him grow those leadership qualities at the NHL level is all I'm saying.

[868904]

My questions would be:

How is Brent Sutter's relationship with the Flames?

Will Brent Sutter be good for Monahan's development?

I havent liked how the team Canada coachig staff has utilized the Flames prospects in the subway series. Both Poirier and Klimchuk have been plaved in support roles and non offensive roles. Now maybe tjats what they ultimately end up being at the nhl level but i dont knoe if thats the best thing for their development.

As one of the leading scorers in the Q, I didn't think Poirier was put in a position to impress in the subway series.

I guess at the end of the day, if Poirier and Klimchuk make it even as support guys its still good bit for Monahan, he better be the go to guy. If Brent starts playing fabourites like he's known to do and say runs Drouin and Horbat out as the top two centers and Monahan gets relegated to the 3rd line, then I definitely don't see the point of him goin.