Johnny Gaudreau stunned the NHL world when he agreed to sign a seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The $68.2 million he's due to earn in Columbus is less than the reported offer that he received from the Calgary Flames, leaving many fans perplexed as to what went into his decision. Now, on Thursday, Gaudreau opened up on his free-agency move, revealing why he wanted to play in Columbus in his introductory press conference.
Why Columbus?
Johnny Gaudreau: "I've gotten to play here many times, and every time it's a lot of fun to play here. There's a good young group here, and that attracted me too. Me and my wife thought it was a really good fit for us. The best one, personally." #CBJ
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) July 14, 2022
Gaudreau indicated that he's enjoyed playing in Columbus in the past, and that he's a fan of the young core on the roster. The decision was largely personal, as the 28-year-old said that he and his wife deemed Columbus to be a good fit for their family.
The star forward was expected to sign for a team close to his hometown in Salem County, NJ. The Devils, Islanders, and Flyers were all considered among the top potential landing spots for Gaudreau in free agency once it became clear that he wasn't going to return to the Flames.
His decision to join the Blue Jackets came seemingly out of nowhere, but according to Gaudreau, it was a place he'd long had his sights set on, via Jeff Svoboda.
Johnny Gaudreau: "This was always a place circled on my list. … I heard so many great things from past players. It made me feel really comfortable with my decision to come here." #CBJ
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) July 14, 2022
Gaudreau revealed that the organization made him feel comfortable and welcome from the moment he stepped foot in the door, and that went a long way in their contract negotiations.
Considering the Flames had reportedly offered him an eight-year contract worth more than $10 million, his decision to accept a smaller bag to play in Ohio had left many fans dumbfounded. Now that he's explained the move, fans have received some much-needed clarity on what went down to bring Gaudreau to the Blue Jackets.
Fans in Columbus will surely be ecstatic to have landed the NHL's biggest free agent, especially considering virtually no one expected them to even have a shot at the 28-year-old.
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