Playing close to home or a more desirable market is a pretty big bargaining chip. You can't just shrug it off. Most players have to play at least 7 years of pro hockey to become a UFA and choose their destination. In John's case he can go straight to UFA in only 16 months and zero pro hockey seasons. So it is pretty attractive. Yes, I know he'll be subject to ELC restrictions wherever he signs.
With that being said, I think he signs with the Flames in less than 2 weeks.
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