[bigrangy]

If Gaudreau's camp expects the Flames to pay him like he is the best player in the world (which they might, we all seem to think he will be someday), then I can't see any way they would accept a long term deal that doesn't pay him 9+ million for his UFA years. They would probably expect around 7 million for his RFA years. Perhaps a 2-3 year bridge would be in the best interests of both sides? Johnny gets to prove that he is the elite of the elite, and then can get paid like it through all of his prime years, and the Flames take a way smaller risk by signing a more proven player. I can't see the Flames committing 8+ million per season long term to a guy who has only played 2 seasons. Johnny's camp will have to make the long term cap savings worth the risk (i.e. signing for ~7 million rather than 8 or 9+) if he doesn't keep improving.