The problem with Gaudreau on this team long term (if that was even an option) is that by reputation when on the ice, he is the most dangerous player on the ice. As "the guy" he's just not getting it done. As said previously tbe offense goes through him. Monahan and Lindholm get their production mostly from him. But through 4 playoffs, he just isn't getting it done.
As AC said on a team with a Giroux or Eichel or Aho or whoever else, where he isn't necessarily the most dangerous player on the ice. He absolutely rips it up. Probably in the playoffs too.
But he probably won't re-sign here and if for some crazy reason he does its going to be for a lot of money, extending the very version of a lame duck playoff team that we've witnessed in his tenure here.
I've loved the Johnny Gaudreau story here. But I do think its time to move on.
To add, with some young forwards making a push up the lineup and with good players already in place, like Lindholm, Backlund, Tkachuk, Bennett etc. If an opportunity presents itself to move both Monahan and Gaudreau for young pieces or high draft picks that can replace their presence in the near future, I think its an opportunity to reset and retool the franchise away from the 2 most prominent faces of the post Iginla era. While remaining competitive. Shades of Philly with Richards and Carter.
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