Flames Select Sean Monahan Sixth Overall

After rumblings that a deal for Bruins centre Tyler Seguin might have been in the works, the Flames decided to keep their sixth overall pick–they highest they’ve had since selecting Dion Phaneuf ninth overall in 2003–and with it, they selected Ottawa 67s centre Sean Monahan.

Monahan scored 1.34 points per game for a terrible 67s team this season, and has the size and hockey sense to make an impact at the NHL-level sooner rather than later, which is very possibly what sold the Flames on picking him (not that they could have had Lindholm even if they wanted to). His two-way game and ability to win faceoffs is exactly what the Flames need at centre ice. Whether he was the best player available with guys like Nichushkin and Nurse still on the board will be up for debate, but he was almost certainly the best player available at his position.

Here is our profile of Monahan and our mock-draft write up that had the Flames selecting him with their sixth overall pick.

I'm especially thrilled they didn't pick a goalie. Welcome to the Flames, Sean!

by Hayley Mutch