Should it stay in the organization or should it stay in the window?
The Sean Monahan file is attracting more and more attention, and for Kent Hughes, it’s a situation that presents multiple options that any negotiator covets.
So far, Monahan has been a smash hit for Hughes. He received a conditional first-round pick and also welcomed a center player with solid size and an interesting track record in Montreal.
In preliminary plans, it should be on the road in Montreal.
However, an unqualified free agent, Monahan, who received warm applause from Flames fans on Thursday, is fueling discussions at several teams’ offices.
It’s clear he’s regained his form…
That he has lost none of his determination. Didn’t face the Flames despite a foot injury?
Is he a player respected by everyone in the dressing room? Certainly.
Canadian decision makers recognize that he makes a significant contribution to the organization’s recovery program through his actions on the ice and through his demeanor and influence in the dressing room.
Should he stay or should he stay in the window hoping to get top price for his services?
He’s an interesting candidate for any team looking to add a 20-something veteran to add even more depth to their existing rosters. The Catch: Are you willing to give up a first-round pick for a loanee?
The grand prize
Teams with big ambitions very often pay top dollar.
Should he side with Hughes to identify Monahan as the veteran on whom the organization’s development and recovery program is based? If so, what about Christian Dvorak? Let’s always keep in mind that Kirby Dach has been given to play a starring role at the centre.
The CEO’s strategy for now is patience since he is indeed, as is often said, in the driver’s seat.
Barring an unexpected turn of events, it’s clear that interest in Monahan will come from both top-tier teams and rosters vying for playoff qualification, as well as organizations wanting to ensure they have the manpower necessary to at least complete two rounds.
As such, a first-round selection will give Hughes more bargaining power, aiming to find themselves among the top five teams attempting to earn the best prospects for the 2023 vintage. But that pick won’t allow him to gain ranks unless they add another first-round pick, Hughes already has two, his own and that of the Florida Panthers (Ben Chiarot).
In the showcase?
Except that in the Canadian’s environment with the aim of promoting young skaters, a veteran as qualified as Monahan is food for thought.
It’s too early to say at the moment as to whether he should stay or stay in the window.
Hughes will adapt to events and make a decision afterwards. Remember, when he took over Monahan, he saw it as an opportunity to add to his roster a veteran who, before spending nearly two years in the infirmary, was considered one of the most influential members of the Flames, and more importantly, him had no financial obligation to fulfill for the next few years.
So it was a placement based on the March 3rd date, the deadline for teams in the league to complete their rosters.
One has to believe that the goals remain the same and that Monahan’s performances through March 3 will provide the rationale for the decision Hughes will make.
At the moment the plan is being respected.
Hughes, Lafreniere and Slafkovsky
Gerard Gallant’s comments about Alexis Lafrenière and Kappo Kakko are interesting, as their rather mixed results compared to, for example, Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils.
Gallant is singled out for the slow and disappointing progress made by the two young Rangers players. In the greater New York area, the comparison game quickly sparked discussions.
Gallant explains himself
While Hughes hits the mark with the New Jersey Devils, Lafrenière and Kakko struggle to stand out. Gallant responds to criticism.
“I’m satisfied with the commitment and behavior of our two young players. In the case of Lafrenière, any comparison with Hughes is invalid, says Gallant. Alexis hasn’t had as many offensive minutes as Hughes in New Jersey since arriving in New York at five.
“Alexis, and by that Kappo, these two players have to wait their turn. Before them there is [Artemi] Panarin, there is [Chris] chalk, there is [Mika] Zibanejad, he adds. Upon arriving in New Jersey, Hughes did not need to evict such seasoned veterans. »
An interesting point of view.
Amazing results
Perhaps the example could apply to Juraj Slafkovsky.
Should he have a spot in the first powerplay unit? If Mike Hoffman dons the uniform, is he more important in Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes’ plan than Slafkovsky?
The CH first choice delivered its best game of the season on Thursday evening. Equal in numbers, Sean Mohahan led Josh Anderson and Slafkovsky brilliantly. The results were amazing.
An experience to be repeated with even more responsibility at Slafkovsky…
