NHL Rumors: Johnny Gaudreau seeking $8 million annually from Flames
Johnny Gaudreau and the Calgary Flames could be as much as $1.5 million per season apart as they negotiate his new contract.
There are still several major restricted free agents remaining in the NHL. Arguably the biggest name without a contract is Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau. Gaudreau and the Flames have not agreed to a new deal yet. Why haven’t they? Because they could be as much as $1.5 million per year apart in negotiations, according to The Calgary Sun.
[Gaudreau] is asking for a payday in the $8-million range while the Flames are pushing to pay between what Sean Monahan signed for ($6.375 million annual average value) and what captain Mark Giordano makes (a team-high $6.75 million AAV).
It’s worth noting that Gaudreau does not have many rights as a restricted free agent. Barring a trade, the only way he can play in the NHL this season is if he agrees to a deal with the Flames. His only other option other than sitting out is to sign overseas, but it isn’t likely that he’ll make as much money as he could with the Flames.
Restricted free agents don’t have many rights. While that is something that should change when the next collective bargaining agreement is negotiated, the Flames hold all the leverage. Calgary wants to pay Gaudreau market value while Gaudreau understandably wants a superstar contract.
He’ll likely have to wait to get his superstar contract. While Gaudreau’s career has been impressive, he has only been around for two seasons. He has 143 points in his first 168 NHL games with 55 goals and 88 assists. An $8 million AAV would place him among the highest for left wings. Considering that he has proven to be a top-tier scorer, he is worth a superstar contract.
Due to circumstances beyond Gaudreau’s control, he’ll likely agree to a deal with the Flames for less than his asking price.
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