The most logical decision is to sign Johnny for 4 years under 6 million.
If we aren't contenders by then, we'll have bigger issues.
This keeps Johnny as an RFA who the Flames will have a better read on and let's them see what we have in Bennett and Tkachuk (namely: how much we have to pay them).
On the downside, you're (hopefully) looking at giving Gaudreau a pay raise. You can either give it to him or (if Bennett/Tkachuk prove to be better building blocks) trade him to address an area of weakness.
4 is ideal. But contracts that are 5, 8, 1, and 2 years long are all "avoid at all costs" IMO. 8 might be palatable if you can get him for under 7 mil, but if not, don't give him 8 years.
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