The NHL Network has not been kind to the Calgary Flames this off-season.
After setting career highs in points, goals per game, and points per game, Sean Monahan dropped from the 20th ranked center a year ago to unranked this year.
On defense, the recently traded Dougie Hamilton dropped from 16th to 18th following a year in which his numbers compared favorably to the three Norris finalists in several key categories.
Captain Mark Giordano dropped off the list entirely despite his counting totals remaining the same and his underlying numbers improving relative to 2016-17.
Now, Johnny Gaudreau finds himself sliding down the rankings. He's been slotted 12th this summer, which is two spots lower than a year ago.
Start your morning with a good ol' debate. #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/ZmG6Wlaipk
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 20, 2018
I recently ranked Gaudreau the 2nd best winger in the Western Conference – ahead of Patrick Kane, Patrik Laine, Blake Wheeler, and Jamie Benn – so, naturally, I disagree with this list.
Gaudreau put up 84 points – a spike of 23(!) from a year ago – and finished with a league-best +30 penalty differential. I'm not sure how he goes south after a year like that but I suppose differing opinions are what makes the world interesting.
What do you think? Should Gaudreau have ranked higher, lower, or is he in the right place?
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