Quote:
Originally Posted by JTech780
Why would he take away negotiating power by saying that?
Also that then opens up for his rights to be traded and that puts him in an awkward spot. I don’t think players like the idea of having their rights traded right before they hit the market, unless it’s to a destination they agreed too.
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If he's really dead set on leaving then he would say it - there would be no reason not to. The only reason you want to keep the negotiating power is if you are open to staying.
If he was deadset that he wanted to move to NJ or PHI to be closer to home then the best tactic for Gaudreau would be to tell Treliving that and then try to get the team to work on a sign and trade so he can get an 8 year deal.
Benefits him to get an 8 year deal, benefits the Flames if they can recoup a 2nd or something, benefits the trading team because the cap hit will probably be a bit lower.
But being ambiguous about it and acting like you're on the fence means that you likely actually are leaning towards coming back - but you need to play coy because that's how you can drive your price up. The deadline of the 8 year contract offer, and the threat of Free Agency are your leverage - so you lean into that - but keeping that negotiating power means you actually are open to negotiating to stay here.