Unless it's with Calgary (or Calgary trades his rights), Gaudreau cannot play a game this season, nor even next season on the NHL. His ELC would be in effect longer into his career.
In choosing to not sign with Calgary, he would essentially be throwing away somewhere between 1 and about 5 million dollars in career earnings, plus wasting an important development year in a league that he is way too good for.
In not signing a contract now, he also risks getting nothing for playing hockey ever, should he be injured over the course of next season.
Frankly, anyone encouraging him to stay another year at BC is giving him terrible advice. Probably the worst possible advice.
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