The Calgary Flames are going to look quite different next season. After a determined effort to bring back veteran left winger Johnny Gaudreau, the elite goal scorer informed the team that he was going to test free agency instead. On Wednesday, news broke that Gaudreau had indeed found a new home, with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
According to Sportsnet, Johnny Gaudreau has agreed to a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets.
BREAKING: Johnny Gaudreau has agreed to a long-term contract with the Blue Jackets.https://t.co/PQYmsZHsxV
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 13, 2022
Gaudreau was easily the most sought-after free agent on the market. He finished last season tied for second in points with 115, including 40 goals. ‘Johnny Hockey' as he was known, spent the first eight years of his career in Calgary with the Flames. Last season, he and the team enjoyed the most success of the entire run.
They finished with the second best record in the Western Conference, winning the Pacific Division. Ultimately, they lost to their rival, the Edmonton Oilers, in the second round of the playoffs. Gaudreau finished the postseason with three goals and 11 assists in 14 games.
Johnny Gaudreau will undoubtedly help the Blue Jackets offense. They finished in the middle of the pack in the East last season in goals, but finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division. It's an interesting landing spot knowing the Blue Jackets are likely still not close to contending.
The Eastern Conference last season had eight teams with at least 100 points. That was the first time in NHL history to have occurred. Knowing that, it appears Johnny Gaudreau was going where the money was.
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