Johnny Gaudreau's introduction press conference shows his clear dislike for Calgary
When Johnny Gaudreau was signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets many people were caught off guard. It was even more surprising when it was revealed Gaudreau signed for significantly less than what was considered market value. It has been widely reported that Gaudreau left over $10,000,000 on the table from both the New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames.
Flames General Manager Brad Treliving assured Flames' fans that they'd done everything possible to try and extend Gaudreau. It has since been reported the Flames offered Gaudreau a monster contract and were still willing to go higher. But according to Treliving, Gaudreau made his decision based off of personal reasons.
As Free Agency opened many believed Gaudreau, the native of Salem, New Jersey, was simply looking to go home. Obviously no one can fault any player for going home, but that's really not what Gaudreau decided.
It seems from Gaudreau's answer that it was ultimately anywhere but Calgary for Gaudreau. If I were a Calgary fan I'd definitely be upset by this decision, if you're not happy you could have simply asked for a trade or informed management of your intentions. Unfortunately for the Flames it appears they were led on by Gaudreau.
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/532771.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/532520.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sam Bennett (9) and Team United States forward Brady Tkachuk (7) fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/532460.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sam Bennett (9) and Team United States forward Brady Tkachuk (7) fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
