Star forward Johnny Gaudreau has decided to test the free agent market, much to the dismay of the Calgary Flames.
Johnny Hockey has turned down general manager Brad Treliving’s latest offer and will go free as air on Wednesday.
“It’s a disappointing day, to say the least, said the GM of the Flames in the evening.
“I can assure you that we have done everything in our power to keep Johnny in Calgary. I want to wish him and his family the best. He gave us eight great years here.
“I really believe it was a family decision and I respect that the most. Johnny has every right and we have nothing but respect for him as a player and as a person.”
The 28-year-old American winger completed the last season of a six-year deal worth $6.75 million annually in 2021-2022.
He should enjoy a major pay rise in his new deal. The specialized site DailyFaceoff has also argued that he would have refused an offer of eight years and $ 80 million from the Flames.
Gaudreau had his best career campaign this year. He scored 40 goals for the first time, in addition to collecting 115 points.
This former fourth-round pick in 2011 has 609 points in 602 games in the National Hockey League.
Remember that Gaudreau and the Flames saw their playoff run come to an abrupt end when they were beaten in five games by their sworn enemies, the Edmonton Oilers, in the second round.
A special program on the opening of the free agent market will be presented Wednesday at 11 a.m. on TVA Sports, TVA Sports direct and at TVASports.ca.