2016 NHL Free Agency: Top 10 restricted free agents

Apr 19, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck defended by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey (27) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Tampa won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Sean Monahan

The Calgary Flames will have two huge restricted free agents to deal with this offseason. Center Sean Monahan is the first one. Trying to determine his value is a bit difficult because nobody knows if Monahan is great because he plays alongside Johnny Gaudreau or if it’s the other way around. Think of it like the “chicken or the egg” argument.

What matters is that the Flames have the cap space to keep them long-term and they will likely do whatever it takes to ensure that they are locked up long-term.

It’s in the best interests of Monahan and the Flames that a long-term deal is agreed upon. Calgary is an excellent fit for Monahan and he’s not going to find too many better wings to flank his side than Gaudreau. Even if another team signed him to an offer sheet, unless that team is a perennial contender, Monahan likely wouldn’t agree to it.

Monahan had a breakout season in 2014-15 with 62 points, including 31 goals. While he didn’t reach the 30 goal plateau in 2015-16, he still had 27 goals and 63 points. The scary part is that Monahan is only 21 years old and will continue to grow. Calgary has been brilliant in easing him into the NHL with lots of offensive zone starts and gradually giving him more responsibility as he has proven he can handle it.

Expect a long-term deal between Monahan and the Flames. Both parties would love to do so.

Next: 5. Torey Krug

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