(Winnipeg) The acquisition of Sean Monahan, who wins the majority of his faceoffs, should pay dividends for the Winnipeg Jets.
Monahan was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens on Friday for a first-round pick this year and a conditional third-round selection in 2027. Having won 55% of his faceoffs this season, he should help the advantage digital training in Manitoba.
“Yes, I’m proud of it,” said the six-foot-two, 202-pound forward. As a center player, you want to start the play with the puck. I don’t know exactly how I’ll be used, but every time I’m on the faceoff, I try to win. That’s my mentality. »
The Jets are 28e in the National Hockey League for faceoffs won, at 46.7%.
“Facials on special teams are very important,” commented head coach Rick Bowness, who often brought up this shortcoming of his team. When [l’infériorité numérique] wins a faceoff, we clear the puck. If you lose it in superiority, you lose 30 seconds.
“Facials are important. He is very strong on the left side. We will use it in these situations. »
Monahan, who scored 13 goals and totaled 35 points in 49 games with the Habs, should also add some life to the Jets’ power play, which is currently 24eat 15.7%.
” It’s good for me. I’m comfortable there, said the 29-year-old striker. When you feel good, you have confidence and you’re obviously surrounded by great players on the power play, you want to get them the puck and be able to take the pressure off. It’s something I’ve done throughout my career. »
Bowness said Monahan will take faceoffs on the left on the power play, while Mark Scheifele will take those on the right.
“Sean is a very cerebral guy,” said Scheifele, who will return to action Tuesday against the Penguins in Pittsburgh after suffering a lower-body injury. He knows where to stand. He’s good on faceoffs. He does a lot of good things. »
Tied in numbers, Monahan will play in the center of Nikolaj Ehlers and Cole Perfetti.
“Two special players,” said Monahan, who trained with Perfetti last summer. Very intelligent. »
Monahan will play for a third NHL team, all Canadian.
“It’s special,” he said. As a player, all you want is a chance to play in the playoffs. I think we’ll have a good chance of doing it here. Doing it in a Canadian market makes it even more special. »