I'm not persuaded by the "no news is bad news for the Flames" suggestions. Obviously no news of an extension being signed is not good, but everything else suggests it is in Gaudreau's interests to remain quiet until the days leading up to July 13 regardless of where he stands:
- If he wants to re-sign, it potentially leverages the best offer from the Flames. Remember, Johnny waited until 2 days before the season started in 2016 before signing his last contract.
- If he wants to leave, keeping Calgary in the mix keeps his value high come July 13. Saying he won't re-sign takes one less buyer (with possibly the biggest offer) out the mix. No reason to do that, other than "goodwill" to his former team so they can move on sooner.
- If he's undecided (which I think he is), then there is nothing to report. I think the debate in Johnny's mind -- if there is one -- is whether he wants to forego the ability to re-sign with Calgary for the 8th year to see what other teams will truly offer on July 13 (he and his agent will likely have a general idea already). Calgary will no doubt be ready to present a very attractive 7-year deal should it come to that, and Johnny knows that too.
I also think Treliving waits as long as he possibly can to re-sign Gaudreau. His only leverage is to suggest to Johnny that if he doesn't accept or reject, that the Flames will start pursuing Plan B. But I wouldn't put much stock in that unless they have something done in principle with a guy like Forsberg, and Tkachuk's extension is also imminent.
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