Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
I think that Ryan Leslie interview is as close to insider info as we're going to get on this situation as he seems to maintain pretty close relationships with a lot of the players.
I feel like if Gaudreau leaves, the Flames management team is open to criticism. They banked on winning last season, and it didn't happen. Pretty normal occurrence league-wide, but the risk was there all along and well known. By not signing Johnny long-term last summer they were at risk of losing him this summer.
I don't have a problem with them shooting their shot (not trading Gaudreau, trading lots of futures for Toffoli and Jarnkrok), but what happens next will really prove the quality of this organization. If Johnny leaves and they just run it back next year by adding a piece or two in free agency? That's a poorly managed team and an organization that isn't serious about winning a Stanley Cup.
Johnny not signing here would be the end of this era and slamming shut of any sort of "window" of competing...whether the team admits that or not is to be seen.
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Yeah I agree with this. I know a lot of us were down on Johnny prior to this season, but the frustrating thing it looks like coaching was at least part of the issue, which is squarely on BT. One full season with Sutter and Johnny is a Hart candidate, finishes a +64, and was ppg+ player in the playoffs. It'll be brutal if we don't get to see more of Johnny under Sutter.