Flames have offered Gaudreau a blank check and he hasn't signed, possibility he tests free agency growing

PUBLICATION

Matt Garland
June 28, 2022 (12:36)

SHARE THIS STORY

Less than three weeks from free agency, there now seems to be a real growing possibility Johnny Gaudreau won't re-sign with the Calgary Flames. As each day passes, it feels more and more likely that he is indeed wanting to test out the free agency market. While that still wouldn't rule out a return to the Flames, it certainly decreases the odds.

Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff shared his thoughts on the situation.

"This really is not about money for Johnny Gaudreau. My belief is they've flat-out told him that and just said �look, you tell us that you want to be here, and we'll figure out the money.' The money is of no concern here because of their ability to offer that eighth year. Like, do the math. If you offer eight years times $10 million, that's $80 million. Another team that can only offer seven would have to give you $11.4 [million] to equal that. $11.4 [million] times seven. It's a huge advantage and it's a huge card that they have to play, but to this point he's said he wants to come to Calgary, but until he actually engages in negotiation and until they actually get it done, well, that's a different story. He's in that process, the discernment process, of �Am i coming back here? Am I going to play and have my number hanging in the rafters, or am I going to go and get a fresh start somewhere else?' It's purely lifestyle based, I think, and what he wants to do next in his career."

General Manager, Brad Treliving has said that while he wants to do everything he can to re-sign Gaudreau; he would also like to know where he's at so the team can begin to make other plans if need be. One of those plans could be to trade the 28-year-old's rights if he makes it clear that he is wanting to sign elsewhere.

While a return for a player's rights is generally just a late-round pick, something is better than nothing. Perhaps one of the two teams he has been rumored to be interested in � the Philadelphia Flyers or the New Jersey Devils � would entertain giving up a draft pick in hopes of negotiating a deal with Gaudreau before free agency begins. This obviously isn't ideal for the Flames, but is something that very well could happen if an extension isn't worked out soon.

POLL
Which team will Johnny Gaudreau play for next season?
Calgary Flames	144	36.6 %
Philadelphia Flyers	96	24.4 %
New Jersey Devils	72	18.3 %
Other	81	20.6 %
List of polls