Flames' Sean Monahan to undergo season-ending hip surgery

Calgary’s center depth has taken a hit as the team announced that Sean Monahan is set to undergo hip surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.  Postmedia’s Wes Gilbertson clarifies that the injury is the opposite hip to the one that was surgically repaired last summer.

This is certainly a tough way to end what has definitely been a difficult season for the 27-year-old.  While several Flames forwards have had strong years offensively, Monahan went in the opposite direction, notching just eight goals and 15 assists in 65 games with his goal and point totals being the lowest of his nine-year NHL career.  Calgary made Monahan a healthy scratch last month after bringing in Calle Jarnkrok to serve as their center on the third line, and playing time had been hard to come by since then.

The Flames will place Monahan on LTIR, and with a $6.375M AAV, they will have ample cap space to bring up recalls if they want — although, they will use up the little bit of banked cap space they have in doing so.  In the meantime, Ryan Carpenter, who was acquired from Chicago back at the trade deadline, seems likely to be used in a more regular capacity in Monahan’s absence.

Meanwhile, the Flames also announced that defenseman Oliver Kylington is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.  Connor Mackey has been recalled from AHL Stockton to take his place.  Mackey played in six games with Calgary last season, recording three points while he has 36 points in 53 games in the minors this season.