[News] Flames name Monahan an Alternate Captain. Wideman and Russell get 'A's too.

[The Yen Man]

I'll admit, at the time of the draft, I was hoping for Barkov, but that's based on stuff I read, as I don't really watch junior games. The thing I was worried about with Monahan was the scouting report had him as an average skater, so I was a little worried about that. Monahan's still not fast, but I'm glad his skating is better than I feared it to be.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

I really like Barkov, but he's developing rather slowly at the NHL level. Big body, has slick hands, and some decent vision, but he hasn't had a lot of chemistry until Jagr arrived.

Barkov: GP-125, G-24, A-36, P-60, +/-: -7.
Monahan: GP-156, G-53, A-43, P-96, +/-: -12.

and just for comparison:

Lindholm: GP-139, G-26, A-34, P-60, +/-: -37
Nichushkin: GP-87, G-14, A-21, P-35, +/-: +15

Both Barkov and Monahan played on an awful team one year, and an improved playoff/near playoff team the next year. One is already an alternate captain, and the other is not. Barkov has been the more effective defensive player so far in his career, but Monahan took a giant leap forward in that category last year (went from -20 to +8 while going head to head against the opposition top lines), so I'd say it's about even.

Looking at that group of 4, it's crazy that Monahan is in a class nearly by himself.

[Jacks]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Anyway, closer to the draft, I think I said something to the effect of: Monahan over Lindholm, and I would even take him over Barkov.

But I can't find it, so I will retract my prior comments.

You had Monahan ranked over Lindholm but behind Barkov.

Just for future reference:
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Enter your keyword(s) eg. Barkov
Enter your user name
Select Fire on Ice forum
Check off the show results as posts button
Search then scroll down the results to find posts in the date range you want.

[heep223]

Fully expecting Nichuskin to break out this year, playing with Spezza and Sharp. Won't ever be in the same class as Monahan though.

[Oling_Roachinen]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

I really like Barkov, but he's developing rather slowly at the NHL level. Big body, has slick hands, and some decent vision, but he hasn't had a lot of chemistry until Jagr arrived.

Barkov: GP-125, G-24, A-36, P-60, +/-: -7.
Monahan: GP-156, G-53, A-43, P-96, +/-: -12.

With respect to Barkov, he spent a significant portion of his time with Boyes last year. Boyes barely got a contract this year after a PTO. Quite a bit different level of quality of teammates that Monahan had the last half of the season. With Jagr he put up a pretty decent pace with 15 points in his last 20 games.

Barkov's also a full year younger than Monahan, having just turned 20. Monahan's about to turn 21.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Are you suggesting that you wanted him over Barkov?

Because I did and when I said so, I don't recall getting much (or any) support.

Yes I did and by a lot. The only one I wanted over Monahan was MacKinnon, I may have even started a thread stating so.


For some reason my search doesn't go back that far.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Oling_Roachinen

With respect to Barkov, he spent a significant portion of his time with Boyes last year. Boyes barely got a contract this year after a PTO. Quite a bit different level of quality of teammates that Monahan had the last half of the season. With Jagr he put up a pretty decent pace with 15 points in his last 20 games.

Barkov's also a full year younger than Monahan, having just turned 20. Monahan's about to turn 21.

Oh I know. Boyes was an absolute anchor for that line (and by anchor I mean dead weight), but there were so few players who could actually shoot the puck, so there he was. I think Barkov is still a stud, and is already a very good defensive center. He looked lost at times offensively last year, but yes, with Jagr's tutelage he and Huberdeau really took off.

That's why I think they're a playoff team this year. They were good enough defensively, but offense was a problem. A full year of Jagr, and adding in Pirri and Trocheck full time really changes the forward group. Even if they're just barely top 15 in offense, they'll be a playoff team.