Joined: Aug. 2020
Posts: 9,527
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My guess is Monahan if the Flames stumble this year. I think a bounce back is far more likely (they improved their depth and goaltending, and Tanev brings defensive stability to the blueline, plus Mangiapane, Dube, and Valimaki are all breakout candidates) but if they miss the dance then I think Monahan is gone. Gaudreau and Monahan have been the offensive drivers for a while now, and with the development of Tkachuk and Lindholm, one of them becomes expendable if the Flames are mediocre, and I think Monahan would be the first choice, as Gaudreau brings more to the table in terms of upside and offensive creativity. Could see them hard pursuing PLD, Barkov, etc.
Another team I think could shake things up is the Sharks. If they lose the 4th playoff spot in the West to the Wild, I would not be surprised to see them deal a big name forward (probably Couture or Hertl, doubt anyone's touching Kane and Labanc/Meier are younger).