Josh Jooris Given Opportunity Not Afforded Johnny Gaudreau
By Len Nunes
Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau has taken a back seat to Josh Jooris. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
What makes me scratch my head is why Josh Jooris was “gifted” Sean Monahan as his center ice man while Johnny Gaudreau was always with Joe Colborne.
I’m not knocking Mr. Colborne but let’s be honest, you will not find a room of Calgary Flames fans where Colborne would get the majority vote for “future face of the franchise” over Monahan.
Josh Jooris fully deserves this opportunity to play in the NHL with our Calgary Flames. Johnny Gaudreau earned his right to play the first five games of the NHL season with our Calgary Flames.
During the preseason, Gaudreau and Monahan showed some chemistry on the powerplay. Jooris clearly showed he can be an effective NHL penalty killer and had a better defensive zone presence than Gaudreau.
When I heard Josh Jooris was being called up, I wondered how other than replacing Brian McGrattan on the 4th line, how would the kid crack the lineup. Well instead of replacing Big Ern on the 4th line, he replaced Devin Setoguchi on the vaunted Monahan line.
I really am excited about Jooris being in Calgary and feel his penalty killing prowess could keep him here all season. A heart felt congratulations to Josh Jooris for scoring in his first NHL game. Johnny Gaudreau did do and it’s 5 games and counting to see him bury goal number two.
This is not a “sour grapes” article about Johnny Gaudreau being benched. Going into the game in Nashville, I clamoured for Johnny Gaudreau to put in a “sink-or-swim” situation and put on the wing with Monahan and Jiri Hudler. I actually figured Mr. Gaudreau would be “rested” for the Chicago game. I’m fully on board with the train of thought that young Johnny Hockey needs a game to sit back and watch. I just can’t help but wonder why Josh Jooris got Monahan right away and Gaudreau never did.