Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving scratched one of the big items off his to-do list on Friday as the Flames agreed to a long-term extension with Sean Monahan.
The 21-year-old center put pen to paper on a seven-year deal worth an annual average of $6.375 million per -
very similar to the contract Nathan MacKinnon signed earlier this summer.
I have some thoughts:
1) I like this deal but I don't think this contract will look like a steal at any point unless Monahan improves his defensive game.
He often gets minutes in defensive situations, and is perceived to be strong in his own end, but the numbers paint a different picture.
Since entering the league no Flames forward (minimum 1,250 minutes) has been on the ice for more 5 v 5 goals against per 60 minutes while only Mason Raymond and Lance Bouma allow more shot attempts per 60.
Centers have a ton of responsibility defensively and it's a tough position to play at a young age. There's definitely potential for Monahan to improve in that area but, again, if he does not it'll be hard to call this a real value deal for Calgary.
2) I get on Monahan about his defense sometimes but offensively he is excellent. Scoring in today's NHL is harder than ever and Monahan has been really good at it as a 19, 20 and 21-year-old.
He has scored at least 22 goals in each of his first three seasons, averaged 29 goals over the last two and has put up 60+ points in consecutive years.
Playing with someone like Johnny Gaudreau helps, no doubt, but any player that puts up big numbers is a) playing a lot and; b) playing with good players.
Monahan is a high-end goal scorer and a solid point producer. At just 21 his best days should still be ahead of him, which is why the Flames felt comfortable committing so much term and money.
3) Considering the Flames ate up a few UFA years from a guy who should be good for 25-30+ goals a season I think it's hard to take much issue with this contract. It should be a good deal and if Monahan's defensive game improves it'll be a great one.
Now onto Johnny Gaudreau.
Recent posts:
Flames sign Jamie Devane to PTO
Flames re-sign Tyler Wotherspoon
NHL Network not kind to Giordano, Brodie in top-20 defensemen rankings
NHL Network ranks Gaudreau among top-20 forwards
Gaudreau deserves more money than Monahan
Michael Ferland should score more next season
Flames deserve credit for finding cheap, quality solutions in goal
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»