The green practice jersey that separated Sean Monahan from all but one other player was a pretty significant hint.

The lengthy post-practice chat with associate coach Kirk Muller added to the intrigue.

Days after the deadline acquisition of another depth centre, there were plenty of signs that Monahan is likely to be a healthy scratch for the first time this season.

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It’s definitely coming.

And it’s warranted.

Not as a punishment or sign that his days as a regular fixture in the lineup are necessarily over.

No one questions his heart, passion or leadership.

But the Calgary Flames need more from him, and with the arrival of Ryan Carpenter at Thursday’s skate, it’s evident this team has yet another viable option.

As good as the Calgary Flames have been this season, the elephant in the room is Monahan, one of the only players on a surging squad whose stock is diminishing.

“Not the season that probably he would like to have,” said assistant coach Ryan Huska when asked to describe the season the former 30-goal scorer is having.