The Calgary Flames have certainly made a few moves this offseason, but the rumored “overhaul” has not materialized. Two players that were mentioned to be on the way out as part of those changes are Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.
Lately, news out of Calgary has the Flames looking to keep Gaudreau around and extend him before next summer. As for Monahan, he could still be a trade chip to fill in other holes.
NHL Rumors: Flames may trade Monahan
According to Hailey Salvian of The Athletic, Monahan may not be around much longer for the Flames. While Calgary may make a move for Christian Dvorak, they could trade Monahan to address issues on defense.
Sean Monahan would be the longest-tenured member of the “official” leadership group, having been an alternate since 2015-16. But as pointed out, his time in Calgary could be limited, as he is frequently mentioned in trade speculation. Even if he stays, he only has two years remaining on his deal, and I’d be surprised if he was re-upped in Calgary.
The Athletic
It is possible that whomever misses out on the Jack Eichel sweepstakes could turn to the Flames as a plan B. If that team has pieces on defense that make sense, a deal could be had.
Monahan has two years remaining on a deal that has a $6.375 AAV and is coming off a down season. Some believe that will make him hard to trade. He also had hip surgery but is expected to be ready for next season. That could be a factor to drive the cost down, not one bad season.
For his career, Monahan has 439 points in 591 games. That is a points per game average of .74 since he broke into the NHL at 19 and played 75 games. Back in 2018-19, Monahan scored 82 points in 78 games. He’s potted 30 goals three times in his 8 years in the league as well. All very solid 2C numbers for sure, which many teams would love to add.
Oilers may bring in Vatanen on a PTO
It shocks me that a solid right-handed defender like Sami Vatanen continues to be available. He certainly doesn’t put up the offensive numbers as he used to, but he can still help a defense out. He’s only 30 years-old and it appears the Oilers may have some interest.
According to Kurt Leavins in Edmonton, he thinks Vatanen on a professional tryout makes a lot of sense.
I expect the Oilers to wait on any PTO’s until closer to TC. One need is a veteran #4 RHS D-man, at a league minimum. A guy who can play in the AHL but be capable of NHL TOI. Names to perhaps keep in mind: Michael Stone, 6’3 210 LBS and from Winnipeg. 30-year old Sami Vatanen might not come for $750k, but has come up in the past. As its been pointed out to me, what’s left in the UFA market for RHD is slim pickin’s.
Edmonton Journal
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