Flames' Sean Monahan: Takes next step in rehab from back injury

Monahan has done light skating and solo drills this week as he looks to recover fully from an offseason back injury, the Calgary Sun reports.

Analysis:

Monahan decided against participating in the World Cup of Hockey due to his strained back, which seems like a wise decision given that the international tournament promises to be highly physical and several players have already withdrawn from the event due to injuries. Having signed him to a seven-year, $44.625 million contract extension this summer, the Flames will be expecting a huge season from Monahan, the sixth overall pick of 2013. He'll patrol the top line and first power-play unit with the help of proven playmaker Johnny Gaudreau at left wing.