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Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster says there has been no decision made with respect to loaning rookie Sean Monahan to the Canada WJC team or not.
While the Monahan debate been discussed a few times over at this point in time, the Flames continue to express difficulties winning games as their record currently stands at 9-13-4, good for a 14th place spot in the Western Conference - a factor which could sway their decision.
With that in mind, the discussion has somewhat shifted from whether Monahan makes his current team better and or belongs, to whether or not playing with the Flames throughout a struggling season will negatively impact his development. The 19 year old rookie has been playing quite well so far this year, ranked 2nd in team points as he’s registered 15 points in 23 games.
As expected with any rookies of his age and ilk, Sean continues to demonstrate mental mistakes on a nightly basis, but given his experience and line mates at the moment, he is playing above most expectations at this rate.
Averaging just over 16 minutes of ice time, Monahan has been able to maintain a 20% shooting percentage (highest on the team), a 44.7 FO% which is good for 2nd on the team with respect to those who have taken >100 face-offs, and also ranks third in terms of power-play points – not bad for a 19 year old rookie.
That said, and as I’ve mentioned, the debate has shifted away from whether or not the player belongs and is now focused toward whether he may get more out of being a key player in the WJC, rather than getting beat up playing among a struggling Flames roster. Monahan is currently sidelined with a hairline fracture in his foot and is expected to miss some time as he's listed week-week. I expect this will play a large part in the decision making process for both Team Canada, and the Flames organization, given the need for recovery time.
“He has a hairline fracture, and we will see where it’s at. They will make their decision — what is right for their organization and for the player. And if they feel it is right for him, they will keep him. If they feel it is right for him to have this experience — players who have gone through this it has helped them at some point in their careers — that is the Flames’ decision.” - Canada’s coach Brent Sutter
The team essentially has until the 12th of December when Canada’s camp opens to make up their minds, and it is likely going to be a tough call to make. Moreover, according to Eric Francis, the Flames who most felt would rather keep the rookie in the NHL, have been “seriously contemplating loaning Monahan to Team Canada for the WJC.”
While the tournament will not last very long and Monahan, if loaned, would return to the Flames upon completion, the ability to be the "go-to-guy" on such a team could do wonders for his confidence level and do nothing but add to his experience as a young player. Conversely, Monahan could be severely missed on the Flames roster as they continue to bleed with respect to injuries of late. It will depend on what exactly Jay Feaster and the Flames brass see as the bigger priority, I suppose.
Outside of Monahan, Emile Poirier who is top 5 in points in the QMJHL, was also not invited to camp. While I can understand the decision behind not inviting Morgan Klimchuk who is among many high end players to choose from, Poirier has been impressive this year and I felt he was certainly going to earn an invite.
We will speak more on players who are likely to get invites to their respective camps outside of Team Canada, but for now I felt we should discuss the abovementioned.
On a side note, Ben Street has been named the AHL Player of the Month for November after leading the AHL in points (19) with 15 games played.
What would you do, provided Monahan is healthy come December 12th?
Thanks for reading!
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