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Edit Drafted 6th Overall by the Calgary Flames.
Sean Monahan has spent this season playing for an Ottawa 67s team that has really struggled. Despite that Monahan has been remarkably consistent and works hard for his team. He even played through a back injury after Ottawa was mathematically eliminated from the OHL playoffs. Monahan’s hard work and leadership earned him the position of co-captain of the 67s before the season began, and full-time 67s captain after the trade of Cody Ceci in early January. While he finished with 78 points in his third season with the club (same as 2011-12) there is no fear that his development has stalled. Firstly Monahan played 4 less games in 2011-12 due to trying out for the Canadian World Junior Squad, and due to a 10 game suspension for a high hit. Seconldy, one must also take into account that the 2011-12 Ottawa 67s squad featured a lot more talent around Monahan, where this past season he was the team’s main threat, and with less support, had less talented players trying to finish his passes, passing him the puck, and he faced tighter checking from opponents.
Despite being cut from Canada’s 2013 WJC team, Monahan does have International experience. He has has represented Canada at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Tournament, and won a gold medal. He was also part of Team Canada for last summer’s Canada/Russia challenge and part of Team Ontario at the 2011 World Under 17 Challenge, where he scored the Gold Medal Winning goal, breaking a 3-3 tie with Team USA in the third period.
Centre
Born — Brampton, ONT
Height 6.02 — Weight 193 — Shoots Left
February Rank: 6
Monahan has all the tools you’d want in a centre. He is big and powerful, with ideal NHL size. His stickhandling is very good, and he protects the puck well. He is able to make plays, off the rush, in the cycle game, and get in quickly with a strong and aggressive forecheck. Monahan drives the net hard, and gets to the dirty areas, where he can use soft hands to score goals. He also has a very good wrist shot, and a quick release. His passing skills and vision make him a great playmaker, and he is able to make his linemates better.
Monahan’s skating is good for a guy his size. His stride is fluid and Monahan is able to generate good top end speed as a result. His acceleration, agility and edgework are good, allowing Monahan to get by defenders and take advantage of his good stickhandling in making moves past defenders. Monahan’s best asset though is his strength on the puck and his balance. He fights through tight checking, doesn’t get knocked off the puck, and makes plays.
Monahan’s two way game is amongst the best developed in this draft. His face-off ability is very good, and he was voted by OHL’s coaches as the 3rd best faceoff man in the Eastern Conference, impressive for a draft eligible player. He uses his size and strength effectively in the defensive end of the ice, and contains opponents off the cycle. He cuts down passing and shooting lanes, and is not shy about blocking shots. Monahan’s high effort level and commitment will make him NHL ready sooner rather than later.
Monahan’s game and style remind us of Eric Staal. He can be effective in all areas of the ice, in all situations, and make the players around him better. He plays a strong physical game as well. Potential wise, Monahan has everything necessary to say that his ceiling is as a point-per-game, first line NHL centre.
Check back tomorrow for our number 7 prospect.
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