Like I'm sure most other CGY fans, I really hope Monahan can get healthy and return to a strong form this year. Even if he isn't at his close to PPG pace, hopefully he could fill the 2C slot. But if he can't go, CGY needs to be prepared.
If Monahan can't go, CGY's center positioning is pretty terrible. Backlund slots at 2C which is not really ideal (I love Backlund, but he is best at 3C), and Rooney or Ruzicka slot at 3C. That can't happen if you want to contend.
Evan Rodrigues was a really underrated cog in PIT's wheel the last two years. His stat line might not show his true effectiveness because when PIT's overwhelming depth is healthy he was relegated to the 4th line. But, when injuries did come up, Rodrigues stepped up in any position, on any line, and played a really solid game. Plus, he's not completely terrible at the dot, finishing with 47% last year.
I'm pretty surprised he hasn't been signed yet. I have a feeling there's a difference in term and other teams wanting him to still "prove it". CGY gives him a 1 year deal at probably a higher AAV than he is worth to help secure the center ice position. If he'd rather have some term, then it goes to 2.5mil.
For the lines, I see most people putting Toffoli on the 1st... I disagree. Huby is a set up man and Lindholm is a shooter. They'll need someone to dunk it in, and Mangiapagne is perfect for that. He potted 35 goals playing with Dillon Dube last year, he should easily get 40 with Huby. And with that contract, Treliving is counting on it.
Toffoli and Monahan join forces on the 2nd line. The third winger will be a rotation until chemistry is formed, with Dube, Coleman, and Rodrigues. I went with Dube because I think his fiestiness will really help make room for Monahan and Toffoli, and he probably has the highest goal scoring upside.
If Monahan will be on LTIR, Rodrigues plays 2C and CGY grabs a middle six winger at the deadline.
Tanev will start on LTIR, so Valimaki can be showcased to start the year if CGY chooses to, and does the trade when Tanev returns. Else, Mackey gets some games in before Tanev comes back
The only issue I see is having two righties on the second pair and two lefties on the third pair. Tanev could probably slot down to the third pair considering he is getting a bit older and move up in case of injuries. I think Kylington could take that top 4 roll.
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