Sean Monahan leaves Friday’s game after first period, won’t travel to Winnipeg

The Calgary Flames will be without a key part of their lineup for Saturday’s game against the Jets. Forward Sean Monahan left Friday’s game against the New York Rangers after the first period and won’t travel with the team to Winnipeg.

Monahan played 8:58 in the first period but didn’t come out for the second period. According to Flames head coach Bill Peters, speaking to the media following the game, his absence was related to a suspected illness.

Peters added that Monahan won’t travel with the team to Winnipeg for Saturday’s game against the Jets because “if there’s any doubt about it spreading, it’s not smart,” which most likely that means that Alan Quine dresses in his place or the team dresses seven defensemen.

Monahan, 24, is the Flames’ first line center and while he’s arguably the least exciting member of their core group he’s been a reliable two-way presence and constant offensive producer for the team. In 70 games this season, he has 31 goals and 76 points.