[getbak]

When a player who grew up in Calgary plays well against the Flames, no one suggests he's doing it because he's hoping to sign with the Flames when he becomes a free agent. We just assume he was excited to be playing in front of his friends and family.

Does anyone really think Gaudreau needs to "audition" for anyone at this point? If he goes to UFA in July, teams will be lining up to make a pitch. No one will be thinking about how well he played in one specific game against their team.

It might make a difference for a middle of the road player -- like Raymond or Glencross signing with the Flames after having a history of strong games against the Flames, but it's not going to be a factor for a star player.


Also, as a GM, you'd have to be an idiot to think that a player who gets revved up to play in his hometown once a year is going to do the same if he's playing in front of friends and family 41 times a season.