We’re just under a month away from free agent frenzy and the potential UFA class is loaded. Franchise icons like Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Claude Giroux, and Patrice Bergeron are all without contracts. Top-six pivots like Nazem Kadri, Ryan Strome, and Vincent Trocheck appear to be available. Even a few interesting goaltending targets are about to hit the market. But ahead of all those, at least according to some, is Johnny Gaudreau, arguably the top free agent available after his 115-point regular season.
Gaudreau, 28, has long been one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league but this season he took it to an entirely new level. After a few rather disappointing goal outputs, he set a new career-high with 40 tallies, while playing on arguably the most effective line in hockey. His plus/minus was a staggering +64 to lead the league, as a huge amount of his damage was done at even-strength.
The Calgary Flames, knowing that he is the lynchpin of their offense, are trying hard to sign Gaudreau to an extension. For the next few weeks, they have the added benefit of being able to offer him an eighth year, something that would likely seem very appealing to a player that will turn 29 later this summer. This contract could very well take Gaudreau to the end of his career, and reward him very handsomely for his outstanding platform year.
But with Gaudreau especially, there have always been whispers of a return to the east coast. The New Jersey native played his college hockey at Boston College and a return to the U.S. always seemed inevitable, even if it was at the very end of his career. Now, with just a month left before he could listen to every team’s pitch, that transition is certainly possible, if not likely.
This isn’t a player who has made his intention to go to free agency clear though. Gaudreau told the Flames before the season started that he didn’t want to discuss a contract during the year, and both sides followed his wishes. He’s only ever spoken glowingly about the city and explicitly stated at his end-of-year press availability how much his wife loves it in Calgary.
So where will he be, when the dust settles on July 13? Will Gaudreau stay in Calgary and potentially become the highest-scoring Flame of all time (he is currently 486 points behind Jarome Iginla)? Or will he take his talents elsewhere, adding his talents to a program much closer to his family? Cast your vote below, and make sure to explain it in the comments.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Im sorry to let you all know that Johnny Hockey will be in fact joining Fiala, Pastrnak, Bergeron, Dubois, and Cassidy in Ottawa this offseason. It’s just the facts.
@jdgoat – Holy Mackinaw, you conspiracy theorist! :)
Cassidy where?????
Can’t wait to see NHL GMs overvalue and overpay for aging UFAs come July 13th. It gets funnier every year.
LMAO at the 80 of y’all who think Philly has this kinda cap space.
I noticed that too. Now if they can just unload JVR, Hayes, Ellis……
Hate to say it, but the Devils. Jersey boy comes home and joins some talented kids up front.
Getting to play with Hughes or Hischier is definitely a good selling point.
You guys babble the same thing about every prominent free agent going home if he grew up near an NHL franchise. You beat the Steven Stamkos to Toronto thing into the ground.
I could definitely see Seattle getting him.
I love Flyers fans that think signing a top tier free agent is the answer. Let the kids play. You really can’t get much worse than you did last year.
Great point. Getting one of the best players in the league would not help the Flyers. Are you new to hockey?
I think he’ll either stay a Flame or become a Devil. Heck of a choice to make. ;)