Calgary Flames 23 days until the season starts: #23 Sean Monahan

We’re getting there, folks! Slowly, but surely. With only 23 days left until the regular season starts, let’s take a look at a Calgary Flames player with that number.

Since the start of August, we’re counting down the number of days left until the regular season starts up again! Everyday until the start of the season, we’ll be talking about a Calgary Flames player whose number correlates with how many days there are left.

Last time, we talked about a guy who got the nickname “Joe Who?” before he even played in his first NHL game. That was Joe Nieuwendyk.

Today with 23 days left, this was a tough pick. I couldn’t decided between Martin Gelinas and this current player. But since Gelinas only played two seasons with the Flames, I decided to go with this guy who’s locked in for a while. Let’s look at #23 Sean Monahan.

Who is Sean Monahan?

Name: Sean Monahan

Birth place: Brampton, ON, Canada

Position: C

Shoots: Left

Birthdate: 1994-10-12

Height: 6’3″ / 191 cm

Weight: 88 kg / 195 lbs

Drafted by: Calgary Flames, sixth overall 2013

Stats with all NHL teams, regular season:

Before being drafted by the Calgary Flames, Sean Monahan sported the “C” on his jersey for the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL. He had 78 points in 58 games to lead the 67’s.

When he was drafted, he was actually ranked to go a few spots lower than he did. So you can imagine his excitement when the Flames said his name at that sixth overall pick. Before being drafted, he had some built up excitement he had to share with the NHL.

Via NHL.com:

"I really enjoyed the Stanley Cup Final. Watching my favorite player, Jonathan Toews was great. He’s a leader and even when he’s not putting up points, he’s contributing in other ways. It could be playing that strong two-way game or winning face-offs or just making sure the whole team is ready to go. So that was really fun to watch. It was certainly a great series."

Calgary Flames

Sean Monahan gained a spot on the Flames roster to start the season off, however he had that ten-game trial period. Basically, the Flames can choose to send him back down to his minor team after those first ten games to not affect his contract, or they can choose to keep him up with the pros.

Well, after scoring six goals in the first nine games of the season, I think the Flames made a solid choice in keeping him. At that point, Monahan was tied for seventh in goals among all skaters.

When Monahan got the go-ahead that he would be staying with the team after those first nine games, it was quite rare for the Flames organization to do that. This was the first time that a junior-eligible player got the go-ahead to play full-time with the Flames roster in 33 years – since Kevin LaValle in the 1980-81 season.

Former head coach Bob Hartley talked about Monahan’s work ethic and confidence as well.

Via Calgary Sun:

"We want to fast-forward the progression of everyone because that’s how we’re going to become a playoff team. That’s how we’re going to be one of the best teams in the league. We don’t want to waste any time. If we’re going to give him icetime, we’re going to set expectations. I think they’re fair expectations for Monny, but at the same time, he wants more and is giving us more.He’s a great student and lots of fun to work with."

Monahan has since been a great piece for the Calgary Flames and is a reason for their recent success. In the last two seasons, he’s been sporting the “A” on his jersey, earning so at just 20 year old, and in those last two seasons, has FOW% of over 50%.

In his first four NHL seasons, he’s had over 20 goals each time. He also reached a pretty important milestone this year.

In a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning this past season in February, Monahan got his 100th career goal. He became the youngest player in franchise history to reach this milestone, surpassing Joe Nieuwendyk.

He also became the sixth youngest active player to reach it. The players ahead of him are: Steven Stamkos, Sidney Crosby, Jaromir Jagr, Alex Ovechkin, and Patrick Kane. However, Monahan did it in fewer games than Kane. Wow, when hearing Monahan, you don’t exactly associate him with those players. But he’s such an underrated center and he’s definitely been completely improving his game all-around and shaping up to be a solid two-way center.

Also, just look at this insane between the legs goal Monahan got back in September.

I could honestly watch that over and over again. I hate using this word, but what a beauty.

This past year, even though the Flames got swept in the playoffs, Monahan still had four goals and one assist in four playoff games. And all of them were on the powerplay.

Next: Top ten Flames highlight videos

Monahan may still be young, but his style and confidence makes him seem like one of the vets. I’m excited to see what the future holds with this one.