I am not shocked there is no deal or very little info so far. I don’t believe the Flames have tabled their best offer as I believe if Johnny signs it likely will be closer to free agency.
Johnny going to the Flyers, Devils, Bruins, or a NY team was a fear many of us had for long periods of time over the past 6 years. It wasn’t until last offseason I started to get hope he was willing to stay.
The money is big but when you have made over $40M already and will make another $65-$85M before you are 36 (potentially another contract could be signed if he continues to produce) getting to pick where you play could be as important as the extra $10M being left on the table. It is tough to leave that kind of money on the table but he already has accumulated generational wealth.
The other factor is potential for more sponsorships and endorsements being a US born player playing in a big US market. He can sim higher than Hope Street property management if he decides to head for a major US market.
I hope we don’t have to find out but I am really curious on how the Flames pivot if Johnny walks. Do they just sign Chucky, Mangiapane and Kylington and run it back without our best player? Johnny leaving makes it easier to sign the other 3 but weakens the team significantly
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