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Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau plans to test the free-agent market, general manager Brad Trevliving told reporters Tuesday.
Calgary Flames @NHLFlames
<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Flames</a> GM Brad Treliving is speaking with the media this evening regarding Johnny Gaudreau’s status:<br><br>”Johnny Gaudreau is going to hit free agency, test the market … it’s a disappointing day to say the very least.”
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff provided additional details:
Frank Seravalli @frank_seravalli
Johnny Gaudreau informed the <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Flames</a> he will not be returning to Calgary. Emotional conversation for both sides, as the Flames rolled out the red carpet to keep him.<br><br>A massive offer was presented, as we reported, but this wasn’t about money.
Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic reported that the Flames attempted to sign Gaudreau, 28, to an eight-year contract extension. Calgary reportedly posted an initial offer of $76 million before upping the ante to over $10 million per season. Seravalli reported the same.
Frank Seravalli @frank_seravalli
My sense is <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Flames</a> have put an offer on the table for Johnny Gaudreau – north of $10 mil x 8 years – that would make him not only highest-paid player in Calgary franchise history, but among richest in <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#NHL</a>.<br><br>If Gaudreau walks, it likely won’t be because of money.
However, he will now officially become a free agent on Wednesday at noon ET. Gaudreau can still return to the Flames, but he will not be able to ink an eight-year deal unless he re-signs with the team before the free-agency deadline.
Per Pierre LeBrun of TSN, Gaudreau is coming off a six-year, $40.5 million contract. The Flames selected the former Boston College star with a fourth-round draft pick in 2011.
Gaudreau’s 115 points (40 goals, 75 assists) was tied for second in the NHL last year with the Florida Panthers’ Jonathan Huberdeau.
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.
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