I just can't see how Dubois, makes THAT much of difference over Monahan.

Monahan is a bit older and is a UFA in 3 years. That alone makes up the difference.

His defensive game is the difference in addition to being younger and cheaper. Think Bergeron or O'Reilly potential.

If you were to replace Simon with Mangiapane, transition Bennett to the LW of that wing and bump Dube up to that 3rd line and you have a lineup I'd put money on to win the Canadian division and potentially make it 3rd round or further. Still not Tampa, Avalanche, Vegas echelon but much much closer. Once Lucic, Ryan & Gio (plus Brouwer & Stone buyouts) come off the books, IF this team uses that cap space wisely, this team has the potential to be lethal and may even be able to convince Gaudreau to stay.

Unfortunately I don't see it happening. As "progressive" as the Flames front office is in some ways, they still are far too conservative to be trendsetters or ahead of the curve so don't hold your breath for anything that will enable the team to advance past the 1st/2nd round.

3 years is a long time...

Oh no it is not that high, he's decent defensively but his only real noticeable advantage over Monahan is his physicality. Dubois has been extremely sheltered in zone starts over the last few years