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Video: Decision to keep or send down rookie Monahan looms for Flames

New Jersey Devils v Calgary Flames

CALGARY, AB - OCTOBER 11: Sean Monahan #23 of the Calgary Flames celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the New Jersey Devils during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on October 11, 2013 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-2. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

Derek Leung

Sean Monahan isn’t making this easy for the Calgary Flames.

The 19-year-old rookie scored his sixth goal of the season in the Flames’ 3-2 win over the L.A. Kings on Monday. Calgary’s first-round pick, sixth overall, in this year’s draft played in his eighth game, which is important because he is ever-so-close to the nine-game mark.

The Flames can send him back down to junior after his ninth game and it won’t burn a year of his entry-level contract.

Roger Millions of Sportsnet tweeted out that his understanding is after Monahan plays his ninth game, which would be Tuesday in Phoenix, that the Flames will make a decision on him the following day.

But that decision is proving to be a very difficult one. Monahan has nine points, and on Monday he played 21 minutes and 11 seconds - that is by far the most ice time he’s received in any of the eight games he’s played at the NHL level.

And he seems to be leaving quite an impression.

“He’s fun to coach. He’s fun to have around. He’s a great kid. Very honestly, he’s quite a learner,” said Flames head coach Bob Hartley, as per Lisa Dillman of the L.A. Times.

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