Johnny Gaudreau prepared to leave Flames?

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Sam Hutch
May 28, 2022 (8:45)

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In what many consider an upset, the Edmonton Oilers ousted the Calgary Flames in 5 games to move on to the third round of the National Hockey League Playoffs this past week. Now the questions for Calgary begin, mainly what to do with impending UFA and superstar Johnny Gaudreau.

As he prepares to hit the open market, it doesn't sound like he's too confident about a possible return to the Flames, but, you know what they say, never say never.

There are a lot of different factors that I'll need to consider before I make a decision. I'm going to spend some time back home with my family, talk to my college friend Kevin, and make a decision.

Furthermore, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet said on The Jeff Marek Show that the Flames could look at trading Johnny Hockey's rights if they feel a deal can't get done. Though that might be a little bit away

I have no doubt teams, maybe not right away but over the next little while, will reach out and see if the Flames are interested in trading his rights if they don't think they can make a deal, but I still think that is a bit of time away.

Gaudreau, 28, played in all 82 games for the Flames this year, collecting 40 goals and 75 assists for a total of 115 points. He could certainly command some major money on the open market, but is Calgary looking to part with their star?