[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

...Hall is an obvious downgrade on Gaudreau, older, more injury prone. Way rather throw that money at Johnny.

I think the quality gap between Hall and Gaudreau is debatable, but moreover, I think it is virtually certain that Hall's UFA contract that he signs this summer will be at a lower cap hit than that which Gaudreau signs in two years, just by virtue of inflation. So, in addition to the assets acquired in any Gaudreau trade—which would be considerable, and should absolutely not be ignored in this conversation—his replacement on the top line will also come in at a lower cost.

If you're trading Gaudreau you have to sell high on Monahan because IMO he will never eclipse the points he has been afforded with Johnny feeding him pucks. He does not drive offense in any way, isn't physical and is not a two way player by any stretch. Anyone that doesn't believe Monahans totals are propped up by Johnny either doesn't watch the games or aren't being honest about it.

This is patented nonsense. Gaudreau and Monahan have played together for so long and so consistently that it is extremely difficult to distinguish between what one does to assist the other. But without any doubt, BOTH PLAYERS BENEFIT TREMENDOUSLY FROM LINING UP WITH THE OTHER. Contrary to your suggestion, while there is scant evidence, there is some evidence to see how each player performs in the absence of the other, and Monahan has fared just fine—Gaudreau, less so. Furthermore, while Monahan's 2019 playoff performance was not good, he has been among the Flames's top playoff performing forwards in previous years, and without much of a contribution from Gaudreau.

I actually think a good case could be made that Monahan would become a better player without Gaudreau to constantly defer to on his line. It is entirely possible that moving on from Gaudreau becomes the best thing to happen to Monahan's own career.

Johnny is a special player in this league, has a very special skill set, his vision, shiftyness and edge work is at the top of the NHL. If you are able to sign him again then IMO he isn't a player to just move on from.

I understand losing him for nothing would be devastating to the franchise but I'm sure Treliving understands this and will have some serious talks with Gaudreau to see where he is leaning before making any decision.

And if Treliving knows today that Gaudreau is determined to test UFA in two years, then what? The reason this is a topic of conversation now is because this is a decision that should be made now. There are still other opportunities to capitalize on Gaudreau's value if he is bound for free agency, but the best chance to get the most is now.