Honestly, the Flames may be better off if Gaudreau moves on after his current contract.
He'll be looking to get paid ages 29-36 next contract at a salary likely well above his current one.
He'll still be a good player, but his bang for the buck will be gone. Look at what Parise did in Jersey and for what dollars compared to Minnesota. Giroux in Philly. Perry in Anaheim.
In some ways it might be better to have a guy solely in his prime rather than to see the decline and have a portion of the fans turn on the guy ala Iginla.
I'd say enjoy the next 5 years and don't worry about what comes after.
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