The Calgary Flames became the latest NHL team to lock up a young star center this offseason by coming to terms with Sean Monahan on a 7-year contract extension on Friday.
Calgary Flames lock up Sean Monahan with 7-year contract extension
The young center avoids free agency.
Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Monahan, 21, was set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2016-17 season. The contract is reportedly worth $44.1 million and will pay him $6.3 million per season. Only Flames captain Mark Giordano will make more money this season in Calgary with a $6.75 million AAV.
The Flames took Monahan with the sixth overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Since reaching the NHL, Monahan has scored at least 20 goals in each of his three seasons. In 2016, the center finished second on the team behind Johnny Gaudreau in goals (27) and points (63).
Calgary’s attention will now turn to locking up Gaudreau, who is also set to hit restricted free agency after this upcoming season. Expect a similar contract, though the Flames only have about $9 million in cap space left to work with.
Keeping young centers off the market is the theme of this NHL offseason. Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon also re-signed for seven years while the Flyers’ Brayden Schenn and Tampa Bay’s Vladislav Namestnikov each received big contracts to stay in town.
See More:
