Sean Monahan, Re-Introducing Your Calgary Flames
By Len Nunes
Nov 1, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames Sean Monahan centre (23) celebrates his second period goal against the Detroit Red Wings at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
The only way to start a re-introduction of the Calgary Flames 2013 first round pick, 6th overall, is to play a highlight reel of all 22 of his goals. Keep in mind, Sean Monahan who was not “suppose” to be in the NHL for more than 9 games.
The Calgary Herald recently published the following news about #23 (hopefully that’s how many goals he scores this season):
"The extra 10 to 12 pounds of bulk added to his six-foot-two frame, that’s also different."
The Calgary Sun recently published a story in which they point out the trend for players heading into their sophomore season:
"Even Jarome Iginla, whose scoring prowess is among the best the league has seen through the last 20 years, went from a 21-goal rookie campaign to a 13-tally year while with the Calgary Flames."
So how does Sean Monahan avoid the sophomore slump? I don’t know but reading a Hockey News article about last year’s #1 overall draft pick and Calder Trophy winner (rookie of the year) Nathan MacKinnon, it sounds like they both followed the same off-season regime. I will borrow the following logic from the article in making an argument that Sean Monahan can, and will, perform above and beyond his rookie season standards:
"You don’t want to read too much into most stories about “Player A comes to camp in the best condition of his career” because it’s a common, overly optimistic pre-season storyline. But when you hear a player like MacKinnon (or in our case Monahan) has put on 12 pounds of muscle, it’s legitimate to wonder about the heights he could hit.”"
The Hockey News breakdown of Mr. Monahan:
"Assets: Owns a very projectable 6-2 frame and a wealth of playmaking ability and hockey sense. Is the type of center who makes his linemates better players. Also owns two-way appeal.Flaws: Needs to gain more strength and fill out his big frame in order to maximize his NHL potential. Also, he’s not a very physical player, despite his size. Is only an average skater."
Sean Monahan spent the summer addressing flaw number one. A month from now, our Flames play the St. Louis Blues. I’m pretty sure the next day while enjoying an early Thanksgiving dinner, one of the topics of discussion will be the goal that Sean Monahan the night before.