Report: Flames to announce that Sean Monahan will remain in Calgary
After scoring a power play goal in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames rookie forward Sean Monahan hit six goals and nine total points in eight games.
As the Flames get set to play their ninth game on Tuesday, the time has come to make a decision on whether Monahan will remain with the team for the remainder of the season, or be sent back to the OHL to resume his Major Junior career with the Ottawa 67s.
According to Roger Millions of Sportsnet, that announcement should come on Wednesday, and all indications are that Monahan will stay up with the Flames.
Its my understanding..after playing his 9th game in Phx Tues. #Flames will announce Sean Monahan's future this season in Dallas Wed.
— Roger Millions (@RogMillions) October 22, 2013
#Flames to arrive in Dallas after practice in Phx Wed about 6pm local time. Monahan to shop for permanent digs in YYC after announcement.
— Roger Millions (@RogMillions) October 22, 2013
While Monahan's first eight games in the NHL have been wildly successful (and the Flames as a team have surprised by posting an early winning record), it's interesting to note that his six goals have been scored on only 18 shots, good for a 31.6 shooting percentage. And according to BehindTheNet.ca, Monahan is starting his shift in the offensive zone 62.9 percent of the time.
Put it all together, and the 19-year old has not only been put in favorable positions out on the ice, but he's capitalizing on them at a much higher than average rate.
Whether or not this is sustainable over the course of 82 games is up for debate, but it appears as though the Flames will roll with it while speeding up the rebuilding process in Calgary.