Johnny Gaudreau, Blue Jackets Reportedly Agree to 7-Year Contract With $9.8M AAV

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

Left wing Johnny Gaudreau has signed a seven-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets worth $9.8 million annually, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported Wednesday, the first day of NHL free agency.

The news comes after The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reported Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen “made a major play” for the veteran once free agency opened.

The Philadelphia Flyers were Gaudreau’s top choice, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported Wednesday, but the franchise was unable to clear enough cap space to even offer him a contract.

The New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils were also among the teams that expressed interest in signing Gaudreau this summer.

Gaudreau previously played eight full NHL seasons with the Calgary Flames. His best effort occurred in 2021-22 (38 goals, 70 assists, 108 points).

Thanks largely to his efforts, the Flames finished first in the Pacific Division and reached the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before falling to the Edmonton Oilers in five games.

The 28-year-old, who starred at Boston College before heading to the NHL, has posted 208 goals and 394 helpers for his career.

Gaudreau signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract before the 2016-17 season. It’s safe to say that deal worked out for the Flames, but now his time in Calgary is up.

It’s a tough blow for the Flames, who looked prime to contend well into the decade with Gaudreau in tow. However, Columbus will now benefit from Gaudreau’s point-scoring prowess as he provides a massive boost to their offense.

Gaudreau joins a Blue Jackets team that finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division last season with a 37-38-7 record and missed the postseason. The winger figures to immediately slot in on the team’s top line alongside Jakub Voracek and Jack Roslovic.

With Gaudreau locked up, Columbus can now shift its attention to re-signing restricted free agents Patrik Laine and Emil Bemstrom.