Should Monahan be released to the WJC

[GirlySports]

If the tournament were in Canada I'd send him. Play in front of big crowds with the huge Canadian media pressure.

But it's in the middle of nowhere in Sweden in front of nobody. Waste of time to send him.

[GreenLantern]

I really want to see him play in the WJ, but I think he is better off staying in the NHL and continuing his strong season.

How many games would he miss total though without camp? 10?

[superfarmer]

I think he has enough character that if he was released it wouldn't hurt him. Playing with his peers and having a great chance at winning it all would be good for him in the long run.

[Poe969]

We can all debate on what we think is better but I'll say that with Burke at the helm, I'm fine with whatever happens.

[troutman]

As Canadians we over-rate the importance of the WJC. The rest of the world does not care about it. TSN has turned it into a monster.

[codynw]

If Monahan doesn't go, who are likely to be the 4 centers at the tournament? I'm guessing Sam Reinhart and maybe McDavid? Who else? Does Jankowski have a legitimate shot at making the team?

[PeteMoss]

For those saying he should go do realize he has bonuses in his contract right?

The chances of him missing bonuses increase if he leaves to go play in the World Jrs.

Bonuses are available for all of these targets:
20 goals
35 assists
60 points

He could earn up to $850,000 in these types of bonuses. Call me crazy but I suspect he wants the chance to earn $850,000 over playing in the world juniors.

[Poe969]

I think the money is relative at this point. He could make more money and not go but in a few years when he's making millions, that money might mean nothing but he could have the regret of not going forever.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

For those saying he should go do realize he has bonuses in his contract right?

The chances of him missing bonuses increase if he leaves to go play in the World Jrs.

Bonuses are available for all of these targets:
20 goals
35 assists
60 points

He could earn up to $850,000 in these types of bonuses. Call me crazy but I suspect he wants the chance to earn $850,000 over playing in the world juniors.

It's not always about the money.. If he wants to try and win a gold medal for his country, that could be more valuable to him than trying to make some money, which he will make plenty of in his career with or without these bonuses.

[PeteMoss]

He's in his first year in the NHL. Its not like he's a multi-millionaire at this point. He could suffer a serious injury and never get the chance to get that money again.

Anyone thinking he's going to give up that money to go spend a couple of weeks in Sweden is dreaming.

[lazypucker]

People here talk about going to the WJC will stifle his development. Honestly I would like to know how much "development" he will miss out if he is not in the NHL for like 3 weeks?

[Poe969]

Pete, I think money is the furtherst thing from his mind when it comes to it. He doesn't strike me as the kind of player or person for that matter who cares more about money than playing the game he loves.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Poe969

Pete, I think money is the furtherst thing from his mind when it comes to it. He doesn't strike me as the kind of player or person for that matter who cares more about money than playing the game he loves.

He's playing the game he loves either way. It basically comes down to play it for free or playing it for a lot of money. I suspect the money wins out.

[Miniac]

I like this, it will be great for his development.

[Poe969]

I think playing for your country and winning a gold medal might have a place in there. Only he can say but again, at this point he just doesn't strike me as a money first kind of kid.

[spetch]

Originally Posted by codynw

Who else? Does Jankowski have a legitimate shot at making the team?

I would rather see Monahan not take up a potential spot for Jankowski. I think Jankowski's development would benefit much more on the team then Monahan.

[H2SO4(aq)]

He can obviously play at the NHL level. I would like to send him there so that Monahan gets a chance to play MEANINGFUL games. He has been on poor teams both last year as well as this year so I want him challenged to be a CLUTCH scorer. In that respect, playing for his country and the pressure that brings would be more important than playing in the NHL on a losing team IMO.

[Poe969]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

He's playing the game he loves either way. It basically comes down to play it for free or playing it for a lot of money. I suspect the money wins out.

Also, there isn't a guarentee he'll reach those bonuses; 20 goals, 60 points for a rookie is a lot. I know he's at 9 goals already but it's a lot to expect from a kid.

If you asked a current older player who could have gone back and went to the juniors when they had a chance, I wonder what they'd say.

Maybe this thread needs a poll?

Should he go?

Should he s tay?

[Gary83]

I'd prefer he just stay in the NHL opposed to getting frustrated when Gillies shuts out Canada.

[Kaine]

How anyone can think he would "develop" more playing against boys than against the best players in the world as he is now is beyond me.

What's more is the WJC is hugely overrated by Canadians. Just another product of the TSN hype machine.

He should stay with the Flames.